The Macdonald collection of Gaelic poetry

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THE MACDONALD COLLECTION

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GAELIC POETRY

THE MACDONALD COLLECTION

OF

GAELIC POETRY

The Eev. A. MACDONALD

MINISTBR OP KILLBARNAN

JOINT AUTHOR OF "THE CLAN DONALD," ETC, BTC.

Rev. a. macdonald

MINISTER OP KILTARLITY
JOINT AUTHOR OF "THK CLAN DONALD," ITC, VK.

ìnbtxruis

THE NORTHBRN COUNTIBS NEWSPAPER AND PRINTING AND PUBLISHING
COMPANT, LIMITED

1911

0.3^

PREFACE.

The Editors, who have been engaged in the
preparation of this volume now for some time,
desire to express their regret at the unavoidable
delay in its publication. The poems came into their
possession from various sources, which have been fuUy
detailed in the Introduction and Table of Contents.
The volume consists almost entirely of poems which
have not hitherto been published. In a few cases,
the Editors consider themselves justified in including
variants, as well as more complete versions, of
poems that have already appeared in print. In
making this contribution to the native literature,
the Editors, to whom it cost considerable labour,
would fain hope that their efforts will be appreciated
by all lovers of the GaeHc tongue. The Editors
desire further to gratefuUy acknowledge the assist-
ance rendered in the preparation of the volume by,
among others, Miss Fanny Tolmie, Edinburgh, and
Miss Christina Macdonald, Kiltarlity Manse ; Dr
Morrison, Kinloid, Larkhall ; Mr and Mrs James
Macdonald, Moss Cottage, Benbecula ; Mr Farquhar
Maclennan and his daughter, Nurse Marion Mac-
lennan, Balivanich, Benbecula.

March, 1911.

CONTENTS

Prbface .

llst op subscribbrs

Itroduction .

PAbE
V.

Ixxiii.
Ixxvii.

SioL Cholla ........

This panegyric on the rac© of Colla Uais, from
whom the Family of the Isles is descended, is from
'. a manuscript in the possession of Clanranald, and
is in the handwriting of Cathal MacVurich, who
flourished in the latter half of the 16th and in the
first half of the 17th century. The name of the
author is not given, but it was probably composed
by one of the MacVurìchs early in the period of th«
Lordship of the Islee, when the MacVurichi wer©
bards and senachies to the Island Lords.

Rannan Molaidh do Chlann Domhnuill

These lines were composed by O'Henna, an Irish
bard, in the time of John Macdonald of Isla, Earl
of Rose and Lord of the Isles from 1449 to 1498.
They are from the Black Book of Clanranald, and
are entitled, " O hena do rine so deoin a hile."

•?c

.^xoV

III.

Moladh Chlann Domhnuill ..... 7

This panegyric on the Macdonalds is from an
ancient manuscript written in the Irish character. ::^\>*. V^. VXV
The name of the author is not given. It dates back ( c^ ^ t,^^ ^^
to an early period in the history of the Lordship of
the Isles.

Vni. CONTENTS.

It is a fine poem, much above the general level
of Buch eulogiee in chasteness of conception and
▼ividness of style.

IV.
A Cbrsao Ghuanach

ThÌB poem takes ite name from a rocky eminence
in Lochaber. It is commonly styled " A Chomh-
achag " — " The Owl " — originally a denizen of that
rock, and latterly domesticated with the author,
Domhnull Mac Fhionnlaidh nan Dàn. There are
many versions of the poem. The version given here
has been collated from several manuscripts, one of
which is dated in the year 1725. The author,
Donald Macdonald, was a famous hunter, of the
Macdonalds of Glencoe, and flourished in the early
part of the 16th century.

Cead do 'n t-Seilo 17

This poem, as a whole, ìs now printed for th«
first time. It is of the same measure as the previoua
poem, to which it bears a strong resemblanoe, and ia
by the same author.

VI.

Mabbhrann do dh' Ailein, Triath Chlann Kaohmuill,

Aous DO Raonull, a mhac 20

This elegy was composed by MacVurich, the
Bard of Clanranald, on the deaths of two chiefs of
the family — the famous.Allan Mac Rory, who died
in 1505, and Ranald, his son, who died in 1509.
It is from the Book of Clanranald, and is written
in the Irish character and orthography. A trans-
literation is here given.

vn.

Ubnuiob Mara Chlann Raohnuill .... 25

'*''**^*^> This fine old hymn — the prayer of the Clan-

•* '^, V^^'l . ranald when going to eea — begins with an invocation

CONTENTS. IX.

PAC!

of the Virgin and Christ, that they would spread
over those at sea, from white dawn to golden eve
and through the dark, dismal night their blessed
covering, with the guidance and glory of the nine
Summer rays, till they reach Moidart and the good
son of Mac Allan.

VIII.

Marbhrann do Shib Domhnull, Triath Chlanm

Raghnuill ........ 26

This elegy, which is from an old manuscript, was
oomposed on the death, in 1618, of Sir Donald
Macdonald of Clanranald by his wife, Mary,
daughter of Angus Macdonald of Dunnyveg and the
Glens. It is a fine elegy, abounding in tenderness
and poetic feeling. It throws light on the cause,
though not the manner, of Sir Donald's death. The
Macdonalds of Knoydart appear, from the allusion
to them, to have been directly or indirectly to blame.
It is worthy of notice that whisky was in use at
that time.

IX.

Oran Gaoil do Nighean MhicDhomhnuill Chinntire 30

This love-song was composed by Maclean of
Duart to a daughter of Macdonald, evidently of
Dunnyveg. It is one of the few surviving love-
songs of the 16th century, composed before the more
modern type of love-song, with its tendency towards
stereotyped phrases, came into being. Mary,
daughter of Alastair Mac lain Chathanaich of
Dunnyveg, married Hector Mor Maclean of Duart,
and it was no doubt in her praise the chief composed
this beautiful song.

X.

Oram do Mhao Iain 'io Sheumais .31

This is a fragment of a song composed by Nic
Coiseam, his foster-mother, in praise of Donald

CONTENTS.

Macdonald, patronymically known as Mac lain 'ic
Sheumais, who defeated thr Macleods in an engage-
ment a'o Carinish, in North Uist, in 1601. Nic
Coiseam, who lived at Eriska with her foster-son,
arrived at Carinish on the morning after the fight.
On arriving at the Benbecula side of the ford, she
gave a loud peculiar cry, and Macdonald hearing it
sent a boat and crew to bring her across. It was
on her arrival at Carinish that she sang this song.
There is a traditioi., persistently adhered to in
North Uist, that she sang this song to soothe her
hero, who had been wounded in the fight, but that
having failed in her object, she sent for the women
of the district to sing an Oran Luaidh, while Nic
Coiseam herself performed the part of a surgeon in
extracting the arrow from Macdonald's foot. The
60ng sung on the occasion was her own " Oran
Mhic lain 'ic Sheumais," one of the best of waulk-
ing songs, where the exploits of her hero are duly
recounted, published in the Oranaiche from a
manuscript of the late Rev. J. N. Macdonald,
minister of Harris. Nic Coiseam not only nursed
Donald as a child, his mother having died when he
was young, but she brought him up, had the most
unbounded affection for him, and ever afterwards
lived with him. Like Fingal's foster-mother, she
was a masculine, able-bodied, handsome woman.
She had strong passions, deep prejudioes, keen feel-
ings, and genius of a high order. Macdonald fought
the Macleods in many a field. At Carinish, with 12
followers, he defeated 60 Macleods led by Donald
Glass of Drynoch. Nic Coiseam refers to the Mac-
leods as " Siol a Chapuill," a distinction more than
once met with. They were the race of the " horse,"
as the Clan Chattan were of the " cat," and the
Macdonalds of the " dog," possibly a survival of
Totemism. The hero of Carinish, ancestor of Allan
Macdonald of Kingsburgh, husband of the illustri-
ous Flora, lived at Eriska, in South Uist ; Carinish,
in North Uist; and Cuidrach, in Skye. He died in
the house of hie son-in-l»w, Macleod of Oaesto, in
1650.

CONTENTS. XI.

PAGE

XI

CO-BKAG, NO lORRAM MhOR MhIC IaIN 'iC ShEUMUIS 32

Thr's fragment by Macdonald, who apparently
cultivated the Muses with some success, refers to the
quarrcl with the Macleods. Loch-na-bleide is Dun-
vegan Loch, and Mairi Bheag is his own daughter,
married to Macleod of Gaesto. There were three
kinds of boat-songs, lorram mhòr, Creagag, and
lomarhhaigh. The lorram mhòr had no repetition
of the chorus, and the air was somewhat slow. It
was sung in large boats, after the land was left
behind, and the rowers with a long and steady pull
stretched themselves to the oars. Creagag is a
quick, spirited song, adapted to a small boat among
rocks (whence the name) and islands, where the oars
require to be plied swiftly and lightly. The lomar-
hhaigh is sung by two rowers, verse about, and is
properly sung extempore, each composing his verse,
praising, or scolding, or arguing, as they proceed,
and is intended to produce excitement in the rowers,
lessen their toil, and provide a stimulus for their
energies.

XII.

Creagag, no Iorram Bheao Mhic Iain 'ic Sheumuis . 33

This 8ong by Macdonald contains reminiscences
of the battle of Culeen, another engagement in
which he fought the Macleods successfully —

" Bu mhaith Sliochd Dhomhnuill Ghruamaich
A dol suas Blàr a Chuilthionn."

He remembers also the creach of Dunvegan in the
days of tis youth, when doughty deeds were done by
Donald Gorm and his brother Archibald at the very
threshold of the enemy. The fight at Culeen took
place about 1610.

XIII.
Oran Bbathan 34

This quern song is by the same author. In his
old age he lived in the house of a daughter who was

Xll. CONTENTS.

PAOt

married tx) Macleod of Gaesto, and evidently felt
very lonely. One day he entered a back wing,
attached to the house, called the " Cùl-tigh," or " Cul-
aisde," where two women were grinding with the
quern, but without the usual song accompaniment.
The women made the excuse that they knew no
euitable song. Macdonald then took up his grand-
eon, a young child, in his arms, told the women to
raise the chorus and that he would give them a song.
Tbe Bong is in the form partly of a lullaby and
partly of a soliloquy. He bewails his own solitude
and somewhat dingy eurroundinge, ae compared
with his more prosperous days. He has given his
Bon-in-Iaw three good defenders — a coat of mail, a
helmet, and aeword — in addition to a good wife.

XIV.

Okan do dh' Dhouhnull Gorm Oo Shleibhte 36

This Bong, in praise of Sir Donald Macdonald of
Sleat, was composed by his foster-mother, or nurse.
It is a poem in every way remarkable, powerful,
vivid and picturesque in style, original in thought
and expression, and coutaining several passages full
of interest in the light they throw upon the social
life of the chiefs of that day. The name of the
authoress is uuknown. It was composed about 1610.
This version was obtained from Miss Fanny Tolmie,
Edinburgh, who took it down in Skye.

XV.

Oran do dh' Alastair Mac Colla .... 40

ThÌB Bong was compoeed in praise of Major-
General Sir Alexander Macdonald, son of Colla
Ciotach of Colonsay, Montrose's famous lieutenant,
and one of the great warriors of the race. It is in
the meaeure of a waulking song. The version
cannot be regarded as complete, and thero are con-
eequent obscuritiee often indeed characteristic of
this epecies of lyric. In the 5th verse there is
evidently a hiatus causing a sudden transition from

CONTENTS. Xlll.

PAOE

the death of Auchinbreck, whom Alastair slew at
Inverlochy, to sorrow for the death of the Mac-
donald hero himself which would be shown by his
friends, the Macneills of Barra and others, not likely
to shed tears because a Campbell had been slain.
Sir Alexander was killed at Cnocnanos, in Ireland,
13th November, 1647, and the poem was composed
no doubt shortly after that date. Glasgow is
referred to as " Glascho bheag " — little Glasgow.
This version was obtained by collating two previous
onee, the fuller one having been taken down by Mis«
Fanny Tolmie in Barra.

XVI.

Marbhrann do Mhac Alastair na Luib ... 43

This fine elegy was composed to Mac Alister of
Loup, but we are not able to identify the particular
Laird of Loup who was the subject of it, nor can we
trace the author.

XVII.

Failte Raonuill, Marcus Unndruim . . .46

ThÌ3 is a Welcome to Ranald Macdonald, first
Marquis and second Earl of Antrim, on his coming
to Scotland in the cause of King Charles I. in 1644.
It contains a eulogy on the Antrim family descended
from Sorley Buy Maodonald, son of Alastair Mac
lain Chathanaich of Dunnyveg and the Glens, and
on the Clan Donald generally. Lord Antrim was a
strenuous and enthusiastic supporter of the Stuart
cause, and did everything in his power to raise forces
for the Royal interest, but without avail. The
author of the poem is unknown.

XVIII.
Brighid Oq nan Ciabh 48

This pretty little song in praise of Young Bridget
of the locks was composed by some unknown bard in
Ireland to a sister of some Earl of Antrim, as we
gather from intemal evidence.

CONTENTS.

PAai

XIX.
Clann Douhnuill an Cogadb Rioh Tkarlach I. .49

This is a eulogy on the Clan Donald in the Civil
War of Charles I., in which their prowess as the
progeny of Constantine of the Hundred Fighta is
duly raagnifìed. At no time, even when the glory
of the Clan was undimmed under the aegis of the
Island dynasty, did they distinguish themselvea in
battle more than they did under the gallant Mon-
trose. They rallied wonderfully to the support of
the Stuart sceptre. The song was composed by a
lady who fell'in love with a Macdonald when the
Macdonalds were on their way to the battle of
Auldearn. To him she refers in the following
verses, which were inadvertently omitted from their
place in the song : —

Tha mo chion air an f hleasgach

Dh' fhàg mu fheasgar an de mi.

Och, a Righ, 's a Mhic Muire !
Leam a b' aithghearr a chèilidh.

XX.

Oran do Mhorair Domhnullach Ghlinnegaradh . 51

Angus Macdonald of Glengarry, to whom this
eulogy was composed, was raised to the peerage by
King Charles II. at the Restoration in 1660 for his
strenuous services both to that King and to hia
father, Charles I. John Lom Macdouald, the
author of the eulogy, was himself elevated to the
dignity of Poet-laureate to Charles II. The spirited
poem was evidently composed by the famous bard
during his sojourn in the Mackenize country as a
fugitive from his native district, which had become
too hot for him after the Keppoch murder, as he
had been breathing threatenings and elaughter
against all who had been involved in it. By this
time the Mackenzies posseseed the ancient heritage
of the Macdonalds of Glengarry in Ross, but it is
characteristic of John Lom that though Mackenzie's
guest he would rejoice to see the territorial statu$
quo antea, and does not conceal his wish.

eONTENTS. XV.

PAOI

XXI.

Bas Mharcus Hundaidh 62

This elegy on the Marquis of Huntly was oom-
posed by John Lom on the death of the Marquis,
who was executed at Edinburgh on March 22, 1649,
for treasonable practices committed against the
Oovenanting Govemment. Montrose was at the
time on the Continent, but the bard entertains the
hope — ill-f ounded it proved — that he would signaliie
his return by a repetition of his former successes.

XXII.

Oran do Choinneach Oo, Iarla Shiphort ... 66

This song, which is evidently incomplete, was
composed by John Lom during his residence in
Kintail, to which he fled after the Keppoch murder.
Kenneth, Earl of Seaforth, to whom the song wa«
composed, held the Earldom from 1678 to 1701.
This is by no means a song of eulogy, but rather of
biting sarcasm at the expense of the Earl, who,
according to the bard, was only a better walker than
the ducks, a better swimmer than the hens — this
man with the crooked hanging mouth.

XXIII.

SORAIDH DO 'N GhREUMACH S7

The Greumach of this farewell song by John
Lom was the Marquis of Montrose. It was composed
after the Marquis's Highland campaign, when he
went into exile. The bard has visions of his return,
and of the coming back also of Alastair Mac Cholla
with twice 900 men.

XXIV.

Oran do dh' Aonghus MacDhomhnuill na Lxirgb 69

These verses are addressed to Angus Macdonaid
of Largie, in Elintyre, the 9th head of that house,
who flourished at the time of the Civil War of
Charles I., and fought in the campaign of 1644-5.

XVI, CONTENTS.

PAOB

He was also with Montrose at the burning of Inver-
aray in 1647, and served in Ireland under Donald
of Clanranald. He was forfeited in 1649, and hÌB
property was given to Argyle. In 1661 the Act
was rescinded. This is a fine poem, written in the
Irish character, elevated in tone, and manifesting
high literary taste. Largie's beauties are set forth,
and the imminent sale of the inheritance of Clan-
ranald Bane draws forth the bard's tender regrets.
As a matter of fact, however, what the poet f eared
never happened, and Largie is still in the hands of
a worthy scion of Clann lain Mhoir. The poem wa»
written about 1661.

XXV.

Marbbranm do Dhomhnull, Triath Chlann Raghnuill 61

This elegy on Donald Macdonald, Chief of Clan-
ranald, who died in 1680, is the composition of
MacVurich, his own bard. The close connection of
the MacVurich bardic school with Ireland has given
the styleof their poetry a strong Hibernian flavour.
This poem possesses the same character to some
extent, yet of all the poems of a similar origin it is
the mo3t spontaneous and the least stereotyped.
The bard, however, seems out of it in connecting
the Clanranald line with the Earldom of Ross. ThÌB
Chief gets the credit of having been a liberal patron
of the barJs, and a benevolent friend to the poor.

XXVI.

Marbhrann do 'n Mhorair Dhomhnullach ... 63

This elegy on Lord Macdonald, Chief of Glen-
garry, who died in Edinburgh in the year 1680, was
composed by John Macdonald of Gniilean, in Eigg,
of the Morar family, who flourished in the latter
half of the 17th century, known as lain Dubh Mac
lain 'ic Ailein, and a bard of note in his day. In
the course of the pK)em the bard makee a passing
reference to a uumber of historical events and

CONTENTS. XVÌl.

PA6E

personages with which Glengarry was connected ;
but there is special rancour, rivalling John Lom
himself, displayed at the expense of the Campbella.

XXVII.

Oran do 'n Phiobaire Mac-a-Ghlasbaich ... 66

The author of this song was Archibald Mac-
donald of Keppoch, who died in 1688, and was a
poet of repute. The verses, though headed by the
name of his own piper, who was a Campbell,
are in reality an onslaught on the hereditary foes of
Clan Donald, whose chief , referred to here as " arch-
traitor," was executed in Edinburgh in 1685,
Keppoch composed several poems of considerable
merit, some of which have been published, such as
" Tearlach Stiubhart, Fear Chailbhinne," " Freag-
airt do dh' Alastair Friseil," and " Kannan
Breugach,"

XXVIII.

MuHT Ghlinne-Cothann ...... fi7

The title of this composition as-the Massacre of
Glencoe, by John Lom, is not strictly descriptive of
the poem, which says nothing of that historic crime.
If the author got his way, the Campbells would be
utterly destroyed, and their possessions divided
among the leading Macdonalds —

" Is mise bhiodh gu h-aighearach,
'Nam faighinn mar a dh' iarruinn ;
An ceann a thoirt de Mhac Cailein,
Agus fail air Mac lain Riabhaich."

Pro'uably the Glencoe tragedy would have inspired
these thoughts.

XXIX.

Oran le Gilleasbuig na Ceapaich . ... 69

This song, or hymn of praise, was composed by
Archibald Macdonald of Keppoch on his death-bed.

B

IVIIJ. CONTENTS.

PAOf

He dwells with frequent reiteration on his infinnity,
but with a vein of reeignation running parallel
therewith. The chief complaint was apparently in
his jaws, to which the herb, Cuach phadruig, with
butter, seems to have been applied.

XXX.

Dioch-Slainte Mhic 'ic Raonuill .... 71

This health song, or toast, of Coll Macdonald of
Keppoch was composed by Angus Macdonald —
Aonghus Mac Alastair Ruaidh, of the family of
Glenco, a well-known bard in his day, who flourished
in the latter half of the 17th century. Only a few
of his compositions have been preserved. Among
these are his elegy on John Lom, and " Oran nam
finneachan Gaidhealach." Coll of Keppoch was in
continual conflict with Mackintosh over his patri-
mony, and at the beginning of his career suffered
imprisonment on account of his defiance of the
charter holder. As a rule, however, he was more
than a raatch for the Clan Chattan. CoU was
abroad when this poem was composed, having
escap d after the Battle of Sheriffmuir with Ranald
of Clanranald, first to South Uist, and afterwardt
to France, wher^ he lived in exile for three yeara.

XXXI.
Latha Raon-Ruairidh 74

This song on the Battle of Killiecrankie, or
" Latha Raon-Kuairidh," as Highlanders call it, is
by Angus Macdonald, the author of the foregoing
80 ng. Versions have appeared in other collections
of this spirited composition, but that given here,
which is from a contemporary manuscript, is longer
and more complete than any of them, and is a
graphic description of the fight and those engaged
in it on both sides. The bard himself must have
taken part in the battle. Beginning with a eulogy
and lament for Claverhouse, he goes on to detail
many features of the bloody field, the lose sustAÌned

CONTENTS. XÌI.

PAGE

by Sir Donald of Sleat, the youth of Allan of Clan-
ranald, the death of Donald Gorm, Glengarry's
heir, and the Tutor of Largie. The poem containa
much contemporary history, and reflects the average
Highland mind as to the events of the day.

XXXII.

Laoidh a rinn Silib Niohean Mhic Raonuill 82

Julia Macdonald, the authoress of this hymn,
was a daughter of Archibald Macdonald of Keppoch,
and was bom in 1660. She composed several poems
of great merit, the best of which are perhaps her
elegies on the deaths of her husband and Alastair
Dubh of Glengarry. In this hymn she laments th«
deaths of both her husband and daughter. She was
an ardent Jacobite, and denounced the HanoverianB
in the strongest invective. She married Alexander
Gordon of Wardhouse, by whom ehe had ìseue, and
died in 1729.

XXXIII.

Laoidh Daingneachaidh ' . .84

The author of this Hyran of Confìrmation was
Domhnull Bàn a Bhòcain, in Lochaber, the author
also of the hymn, " Dùisg a dhuin' as do chadal."
It is a good specimen of religioais poetry, manifeflt-
ing higb religious principle.

XXXIV.

Oram do dh' Alastair Dubh Ghlinnegaradh 86

The author of this elegy on the Chief of Glen-
garry is unknown. Alastair Dubh, who fought
both at Killiecrankie and Sheriffmuir, was one of
the most towering men of his race, and one who
played a conspicuous part in the history of his time.
He died in 1721, amid the universal regret of the
bards, who sang his praises in many eulogistic
strains, and was buried at Killianan, the last
reeting plaoe of his fathers.

XX. CONTENTS.

PAOfc

XXXV.

CuMHA DO dh' Aonghus Oo Ghlinnkgaradb 89

The author of thÌB lament was Angus Mac-
donald, known as Aonghus Mac Ailein, probably
oif the Glengarry branch of the clan. Angus, to
whom this elegy was composed, was the second son
of John of Glengarry. lle was " out " in the '45
in command of the Glengarry Regiment, and wa«
accidentally shot two days after the Battle of Fal-
kirk, where he distinguished himself by his bravery,
January 22, 1746. His son, Duncan, afterwardi
succeeded to Glengarry.

XXXVI.

Obah do dh' Alastaib Ruadh Ghlinnegaradh 92

The name of the author of this song is not given
in the manuscript, which is contemporary. The
Bubject of the eulogy was Alastair Ruadh, notorious
ae Mr Andrew Lang's " Pickle." He receives hit
due mead of praise in these verses. He succeeded
his father in Glengarry in 1754, and died unmarried
in 1761.

XXXVII.

Obam do dh' Alastair Ruadh Ghlinnkgaradh 93

The name of the author of this health-song to
Glengarry is not given in the manuscript.

XXXVIII.

Oran do dh' Alastair Ruadh Ghlinnegaradh 96

The author of this elegy <m Glengarry was Angua
Macdonald, who composed the lament for Alastair
Ruadh's brother, Angus Og. The bard lamenta
the death of both Alexander and his younger
brother Angus, while Duncan, son of Angus, a child
of tender years, is left to represent the family
interests.

CONTENTS. XXI.

PA6B

XXXIX.

Oran do dh' Alastair Ruadh Ghlinnegaradh . 97

This eulogy on Glengarry is by John Macdonald,
6th of Ardnabie, a Gaelic bard of note in his day,
as were several other members of his family. He
was a captain in the Glengarry Regiment in the '45
campaign.

XL.
Oran Gaoil 99

This is a love-song which tradition says was com-
posed to her lover, who sailed the seas, by a lady of
the f amily of Sleat.

XLI.

Marbhrann do Shir Seumus MacDhomhn€ill

Shleibhte ........ 101

The author of this elegy is unknown. It is to
Sir James Macdonald, 8th Baronet of Sleat, styled
the " Scottish Marcellus," who died in Rome in
1766, and was buried there.

XLII.

Marbhrann Uisdean a Bhaileshear .... 103

Hugh Macdonald of Baleshare, in North Uist,
to whom John MacCodrum composed this elegy, was
a grandson of Sir James Mor Macdonald of Sleat.
He was an outstanding personage in his day in the
Western Isles, and played an important part during
the troubles of the '45. Though obliged openly to
range himself on the Hanoverian side, he secretly
espoused the cause of the Prince, and was one of the
principal instruments in effecting his escape from
the Long Island. While the Rebellion was in pro-
gress he was in command of a company of Militia
at Kyleakin. From the time the Prince landed in
Uist after the defeat at Culloden, Hugh acted as
Lady Margaret Macdonald's agent in carrying
newspapers, clothes, and other necessaries for his

Xlii. CONTENTS.

PAGE

use to his hiding placet.. On June lOth, 1746, he,
with Boisdale and others, visited the Prince at
Corrodale, where they spent three days and three
nights, during which the wine of the oountry circu-
lated freely. Hugh Macdonald of Baleshare, whose
character is depicted in this beautiful elegy iu the
brightest hues, died in 1769.

XLIII.
Oran na Bainnse ....... 106

This song waa composed by the bard at a wedding
which he attended when he lived in South TJist.
The author, Archibald Macdonald, known as " Gille
no Ciotaig," was born at Arivicuish, Claddach
Kirkibost, North Uist, about 1750, and was brought
up there. He was patronyniically known as Gilleas-
buig Mac lain 'ic Aonghuis 'ic Alastair, 'ic
Ghilleasbuig, 'ic Dhomhnuill, 'ic lain, 'ic Uisdean.
He received a good education for the time, and
became clerk to Alexander Macdonald, factor for
Clanranald in South Uist. He composed many
eongs, and excelled as a comic poet. Nine of his
eongs are given in " The Uist Collection," besides
the two given here. We fear his other compositions
are now lost. He died unmarried, a comparatively
young man, in the end of the 18th century.

XLIV.

Co SO BREABADH NA MNATHA ? . .108

This song was composed under the following
circumstanoes : — Gille-na-Ciotaig left Benmore at
Usinish to stay a night with the Fuamhair at Beul-
nahuamha, and when he arrived he found the people
of the house fìghting. On this account he had to
take shelter elsewhere, but when he returned next
morning the fight was still going on. He then
began the song. Gille-na-Ciotaig had great com-
mand of the vocabulary known as " Billingsgate."
His " Oran an Fhuamhair " is a scurrilous though
clever oomposition. Some of his versee on " Bodach

CONTENTS. XXUl.

PAGE

Bhearnasdail a Unisli " could not be printed. The
Fuamhair, Aonghus Mac Challuim, lived at Ben-
more, and was a " Leannan Baird " of great attrac-
tion. His surname was Smith, and his son, John,
who was also known a& Am Fuamhair, was a weak
creature without any fixed residence, and a souroe
of great amusement to young and old as he
wandered through the parish of South Uist.

XLV.
Oran Fir HEiaoiR ....... 109

This song is in praise of Archibald Maclean of
Heisker, in North Uist. His powers as a steersman
and the seaworthy qualities of his galley are power-
fully depicted. Archibald was a son of lain Mac-
Ghilleasbuig Oig of Heisker, of the family of
Boreray. He was at this time tacksman of Heisker
and Steelbow tenant of Peinmore, now part of
Balranald. He emigrated to Canada, and died at
Ontario in the early part of last century.

Rachel Macdonald, the authoress, known as
Raonaid Nighean 'ic Neill, was a daughter of Neil
Macdonald, Grenitote, North Uist, where she was
born about 1750. She died at Lineclate, Benbecula,
about 1820, and was buried at Nunton. Only a few
of her songs have been preserved. From the speci-
mens given in this collection, and a hymn published
in Donald Macleod's Collection in 1811, it will be
eeen that she breathes the true spirit of poetry.
" Oran Fir Heisgir " was composed by her while
storm-stayed in Skye, where she was visiting her
friends. Archibald Maclean of Heisker coming in
his " Pearg " gave her a passage across th© Minch
to her native Uist.

XLVI.

Oran leis an Raonaid cheudna . .112

This song was also composed by Rachel when on
a visit to her friends in Skye.

XXÌV. OONTENTS.

PAQK

XLVII.

Oran Molaidh oo Ghilleasbuig Og Heisgir .114

This eulogy on Archibald Maclean of Heisker
wae composed by Anne Macdonald, his foster-sister,
Nighean Domhnuill Oig, housekeei>er at Balranald.
Archibald was engaged to be married to Susan Mac-
donald, Vallay, but he left her. Her brother,
Major Alexander Macdonald, who was factor of
North Uist, became somewhat oppressive to the gay
Lothario, and he left the country. These facts are
reflected in several passages of the song.

XLVIII.

Taladh Alastaib Oig Bhalaidh .116

The author of this lullaby to Alexander Mac-
donald of Vallay was Donald MacSween, North
Uist, patronymically, Domhnull MacBuairidh 'ie
Suainn. Donald was found dead at Cousamul, a
rock on the west ooast of Uist, more than a hundred
years ago. Alexander Macdonald, 5th of Vallay,
waa for some time an ofi5cer in the Royal Navy,
and died in 1845.

XLIX.

Marbbrann do Bhsan Liandail .... 117

This elegy is by Angus Shaw, known as Mac-an-
Lighiche. He was a native of Lynedale, in Skye, and
had served for some time in the Army. His " Oran
Bhuonaparte " is a spirited production. " Bean
Liandail " was Jane Craigdallie, wife of Colonel
Alexander Macdonald of Lynedale and Balranald.
She died in 1818.

L.

Oban do 'n Choirneal Dhomhnullach .120

This eulogy waa composed to Colonel, afterwards
General, Sir John Macdonald, K.C.B., of Dal-
chosnie and Dunalast-air, Colonel of the 92nd Regi-
ment. Sir John, who was a distinguished soldier,

CONTENTS.

PAGE

and the father of a family of soldiers, all of whom
were heroes, died on 24th June, 1866. The author
of the eulogy was James Stewart, in Rannoch,
known as Seumus Mor an Duine Bhàin.

LI.

0»A» Gaoil 124

The author of this love-song was Angus Mac-
donald (Aonghus Mac lain 'ic lain), Hougharry,
North Uist, and the object of his affections was
Mary, daughter of MacNeill, tacksman of Kyles-
Bernera. Her father, who resented the persistent
wooer's addresses, sent Mary to the lonely Island
of Pabbay to be out of his way.

LII.

Oran Molaidh do dh' Fhear Mhoghustot . 126

The author of this eulogy is at present unknown
to us. The subject of it was Hugh Peter Mac-
donald of Mugstote, in Skye, son of Major Alex-
ander Macdonald of Courthill, descended from Sir
James Mor Macdonald of Sleat.

LIII.

Marbhbann do dh' Fhear Bhaile-Raghnuill . . 129

This elegy is by Donald Maclean, at one time
S.P.C.K. teacher at Carinish, North Uist. The
subject of the elegy was James Thomas Macdonald
of Balranald, factor for Lord Macdonald in North
Uist, who died in 1855.

LIV.

Mabbhkann do dh' Fhear na Ceapach . . .131

The author of this elegy on Angus MacDonell,
tacksman of Keppoch, was Donald Macpherson, a
mason, who lived at Inveroy. He afterwards went
to Glasgow, and died there about 1890. Macpher-
son composed a satire on John Walker of Loch
Treig, in which he severely handled him, for

IXVl. CONTENTS.

PAO«

depriving Seann Ghillean na Ceapaich, uncles of
Angus of Kepijoch, of the farms of Insh and Loch
Treig, a verse of which may here be given —

" Thug thu Inns agus taobh Loch Treig uath',
Bha e aca mu 'm fac' thu fein e ;
Nan robh Clann Domhnuill an còir a cheile,
Cha robh 'n a' d' eiric na chum do cheann ort."

Angus MacDonell of Keppoch died in 1855.

LV.

Marbubann do Choibneal Domhnullach, Innsb . 134

The author of this elegy was the Gobhann Bàn,
whose surname was Campbell. He lived at Bunroy,
and was drowned in one of the Canal locks at Gair-
lochy. Colonel Archibald MacDonell, Insh, who
was a grandson of Keppoch who fell at Cullod«n,
died in 1813.

LVI.
Oban Gaoil 137

This is a love-song to his future wife, Marion,
daughter of the Rev. Roderick Maclean, minister of
South Uist, by the Rev. Roderick Macdonald,
minister of Harris from 1847 to 1854, and of South
Uist from 1854 to 1900, when he died. He poB-
aessed, besides many intellectual qualities of a high
order, a strocng poetic vein, to which he but rarely
gavo expression. This fine lyric is original in con-
ception and style, and flows musically.

LVII.
Oban a Chlo 139

This eong is by the same author, aft«r his mar-
riage. Mrs Macdonald occasionally occupied her
leisure time at the spinning wheel, the yarn to b«
manufactured into home-spun cloth. It ìb a
humorous and sprightly effusion on the presumed
merits and saleable qualities of the clò.

CONTENTS. XX vn.

PA6E

LVIII.
Oran Gaoil ........ 141

Tius is a love-song by the Rev. John N. Mac-
donald, minister of Harris, in the name of the
minister of North Uist, who was supposed to be in
love with Miss Jane Macdonald, Balranald. The
author was minister of Harris from 1855 to 1868,
wheii he died. He was, besides being a man of
extensive scholarship and many accomplishments,
a poet, and had he devoted himself to the compoei-
tion of Gaelic poetry he would have attained to high
difitinction.

LIX.

CUIDEACHADH MhR. UiSDEAN ..... 143

The occasion of the composition of this poem,
which is by the same author as the last, was
casual, but the poem itself is distinctly powerful,
though there is something of the nature of an anti-
climax towards the end. This is inevitable from
the mock heroism of the motive. The Rev. Hugh
Macdonald, minister of Bernera from 1851, and
afterwards of Trumisgarry, had indulged in verses
perilously bordering on the satirical at the expenae
of the minister of Harris, and this poem, by way of
helping him, was the result. There is undoubted
grotesqueness in the idea of Odin's head, said to be
buried at Griminish, having been, along with many
others from the bygone ages, called to earth by the
strains of Mr Hugh's lyre, looking for the largest
human frame available, and finding even the
gigantic proportions of Mr Macdonald, Scolpig,
inadequate.

LX.

Cumha do Mhac Leoid Dhunbheaoain 148

The subject of this lament, the author of which
ÌB unknown, was Sir Rory Mor Macleod of Dun-
vegzin, who died in 1626 at Fortrose, and was buried
in the Cathedral there.

COMT£NTS.

PAOB

LXI.

6ath-0eal Mairi Nioh'n Alastaib Ruaidh 150

This lament for Macleod was compoeed by the
famous Harris poetess while the Chief waa still
living. Mary Macleod sang her lament by his bed-
BÌde. When the song ceased the Chief sat up, and
Mary then sang a song of gratitude for his restora-
tion to life. The Chief appeared to be very angry
at her, and reminded her of his command to her to
compose no more songs. The poetess defended her-
self by saying that it was not a song but a crònan,
or crooning. It was of this Chief, Roderick, tho
15th Macleod of Dunvegan, that Mary sang, on his
death in 1664 —

" Gur a sinn' th' air ar ciuradh,

Tha leann-dubh oirnn a' mtichadh ar clèibh,

Mu Thighearn' Og sin ar diithcha

Bidh BÌnn tric air ar 'n ùrnuigh gu geur ;

Ruairidh còir a chuil chleachdaich,

Fear mor macanta treun,

Craobh dheth 'n abhull a b' ùire,

Gun do thuit i gun ùbhlan, gun pheur. "

Mary Macleod was a daughter of Alexander Roy
Macleod, and was bcrn at Rodel, in Harris, in the
latter half of the 16th century. She is said to
have died at an advanced age in 1674. The song
given here was taken down in 1861 from Mairi
Bheag Nigh'n Domh'll 'ic Ruairidh, Ebost, Skye,
by Miss Fanny Tolmie. C^ "^ OLwX v UXJU^A \ .

LXII.
AiR Bab Chrombail 163

Theee lines were composed by Maclachlan of
Kilbride on the death of Oliver Cromwell in 1658.

LXIII.

Mabbhrann do MhacCoinnich Ghearloch . 153

ThÌB elegy, the author of which is unknown, was
composed to Kenneth Mackenzie, 6th of Gairloch,
who 'ied in 1669.

CONTENTS. XXIX.

PAGK

LXIV.
CuMHA Iain Ghairbh 156

John Garbh Macleod of Raasay, famous in song
and story for his great physical strength and per-
sonal exploits, was drowned in April, 1671, with
26 other persons, " after a rant of drinking," on his
way home from Lewis, where he had attended a
christening banquet at the house of the Earl of Sea-
forth. This lament was composed by his sister,
Janet. Among others, Mary Macleod composed a
touching lament to his memory, and Patrick Mor
MacCrimmon commemorated the sad event in the
well-known piobaireachd, " John Garbh Macleod
of Raasay's Lament."

LXV.

Masbhrann do Chaiptean MacCoinnich, Suidhe 166

Captain Mackenzie of Suddie, for whom this
elegy was composed, commanded the regular troops
in the Battle of Mulroy in 1688, fought between the
Mackintoshes and the Macdonalds of Keppoch,
when Coll " took the hill on them," and defeated
Clan Chattan with great slaughter. Capt^ain Mac-
kenzie was killed in the engagement. The author
of the elegy was Brian, the Bard of Assynt. Thia
bard flourished in the second half of the 17th
century, but as early as 1650 he composed a eulogy
on John Ma<;kenzie, known as " lain Mollach,"
who succeeded his father in 1646. This " Oran
do dh' Fhear na Comraich," though not given here,
Ì8 in our possession. The only other notice of Brian
we can find is in the satirical duel, or eisgeadh,
between himself and John Lom. The following
verse by John Lom, the mildest of them all, and
omitted from the printed version, may here be
given —

" Le mheud 's a fhuair mi bhagradh orm,
Gu'n d' chum e raoir an cadal uam ;
'S cha 'n ioghnadh mi 'bhi abartach,
'8 ann agam a tha chòir."

XII. CONTENTS.

PAOE

LXVI.
Marbbrann do Dhuin' Uasal 159

The author of thÌ8 elegy is unknown. Though
the internal evidence is somewhat indistinct, it
appears to be a Mackenzie poem.

LXVII.
Marbhrann do Dhuin' Uasal .163

This is a fine old elegy, the author of which is
unknown.

LXVIII.

CuMHA OiG Fhir, àc. ...... 166

A lament by a young man whose betrothed died
on their wedding day. The author is unknown.

Ì.XIX.
CuMHA Do dh' Fhear nan Druimnean 166

This lament, the author of which is not known,
was ooanposed to Allan Maclean of Drimnin, who
died unmarried in the first half of the 18th century.

LXX.
Mabbhrann Fir Thalasgair 169

This elegy was composed to Donald Macleod,
3rd of Talasker. The author was John Maclean,
known as lain Mac Ailein, the well known Mull
Bard, author of many songs, some of which are
published in " The Maclean Bards."

LXXI.

CuMHA Pbathar .173

This fugitive ballad is a lament for two brothers
who had been drowned.

CONTENTS. XXIÌ.

PAQE

LXXII.
CvMHA DO Mhinistiar ...... 174

This is a lament by his sister for a minister who
was drowned. A different song originally from the
last, but in the course of tradition the two have
become associated with one another.

LXXIII.
Cath Chuilodair 176

This is a lament for Colonel Dugald Maclachlan,
who fell on the fatal field of Cxilloden, by Lachlan
Dubh Maclachlan.

LXXIV.

Oran do Mhacleoid Dhunbheagain .... 177

The author of this fragment is unknown. On
the authority of the old manuscript from which it
was copied, it was composed to " Mac Challuim 'ic
Leoid Dhunbheagain." If this be so, it was com-
posed to John Macleod, IV. of Dunvegan, who died
in 1390.

LXXV.

Ramn air Grioqar Odhar Ard 178

The author of these lines in praise of Gregor
Macgregor is unknown. Gregor, who was reckoned
a great warrior and one of the handsomest men of
his day, was a son of Duncan of the Glens of
Phanean, brother of Gregor Roy of Glenstrae,
executed in 1570, and cousin of Alastair of Glen-
strae, executed in 1603 for the affair of Glenfruin.
Gregor Odhar himself took part in this fight.

LXXVI.

OsAN DO 'n Ridire Donnchadh Caimbeul . 179

The following note is given in the manuscript
f rom which these verses are taken : —

" The above Duncan was called Donnchadh
Dubh a' Churraic, but the Campbells call him

XXXII. CONTENTS.

Donnchadh nan Caisteal — a false, deceitful man.
The Castle of Taymouth was originally built by him,
and he made great additions to the Castle of Caol-
chuirn, in Glenorchy. He likewise built the Castle
of Finlarig, Edinamble, and the Castle of Barcal-
dine. He had a great many illegitimate children,
and he never denied any woman that came to him
with a child. One came with a large cat rolled up
in flannel, a corner of which he lifted up to see tha
child, when he exclaimed : ' O 's goirrid a tha eadar
a bheul 's a shròn, 's olc am biatach a bhios ann, bi
gu maith ris.' "

Though the lady who composed these verses,
which are but a fragment of the original song, is
said in the manuscript to have been a daughter of
Black Duncan, it appears from " The Black Book
of Taymouth ' ' that she was a daughter of Campbell
of Glenlyon. Black Duncan, however, though not
her father, had undoubtedly a hand in the death of
her husband, Gregor Macgregor of Glenstrae. 8e«
the Tàladh at page 325.

LXXVII.

Oban le Bean Lusgintib ...... 180

Mrs Macleod of Luskinter, in Harris, was the
daughter of Alexander Macleod of Luskinter, son of
William Macleod of Bernera, and grandson of Sir
Norman Macleod of Bernera. She married Dr
William Macleod of Glendale, who practised his pro-
fession in Harris, and was known there as " Fear
Lusgintir," his wife having taken over the lease of
' the farm from her brother, Captain John Macleod.
The " Gillean grinn " of the song were her sons,
John, Bannatyne, William, Donald, and Ewen, all
of whom served in the Army. Mrs Macleod com-
pKJsed several good songs.

CONTENTS. XXXÌÌÌ,

FAQE

LXXVIII.

Obam Molaidh do Dhomhnuill Macleoid 181

The subject of this eulogy was Donald Macleod,
Tacksman of Claggan, on the Macleod Estate, in
Skye, afterwards of Kingsburgh, and finally of
Coulmore, in Killearnan, where he died in 1877.
In his day he was well known all over the High-
lands, and there was no finer type of a Highland
gentleman anywhere. Donald Macleod, the author
of the song, was the well-known Domhnull nan
Oran, the Skye Bard, who was bom in Glendale in
1787, and published a large collection of Gaelic songs
inlSll. He died in 1873.

LXXIX.

Oran Mhic Naoimhein 183

Patrick Macpherson, the author of this song in
the mock-heroic strain, was known as Padruig Mac-
DhomhnuiII. He was born at Torlum, lived at
lochdar for a while, was steamboat agent at Loch-
carnan for some years, and died at Torlum in 1884,
in the 84th year of his age. Patrick was a well-
known rhymster and humorist in his day, and many
of his witty sayings are current in Benbecula. Mac-
niven, the hero of the song, was an emigration agent
and a native of Isla. In this song Patrick takes the
unusual course, emigration being always unpopular
in the Islands, of praising the emigration agent as
the provider of fertile lands across the sea. Not the
least of Macniven's virtues, in his estimation, was
that when others called for a bottle of strong
beverage, Macniven was not content with less than
a gallon at a time.

LXXX.
Okan Gaoil 185

This love-song is evidently a more oomplete
version of the song given at page 30 of this Colleo-
tion.

CONTENTS.

PiQI

LXXXI.
OiUN Gaoil 187

The author of this song is unknown. The style
is cultured, with a feeling for nature.

LXXXII.
Oran Gaoil 188

This is a love-song between a raan and his sweet-
heart. The man addresses the woman after his
death, and makes reference to her loveless marriage
with another man. Her departed lover speaks from
his cofl&n, telling how, on his coming to the end of
his voyage, the news of her marriage wounded him
to the death. She suitably replies. The idea is a
weird one worked out with much poetic feeling.
The author is unknown.

LXXXIII.
Oran Gaoil 190

This fine lyric was composed by a woman to her
sweetheart.

LXXXIV.
Am Buachaile Ban 192

The author of this song is unknown. Other ver-
sions are in existence and have been set to music,
but this is by far the fullest we have seen.

LXXXV.

Oran Gaoil le mnaoi uasail 193

This pleasant little ditty was composed by Flora,
daughter of Donald Macleod of Bernera, known as
the " Old Trojan." She was always in delicate
health, and never married.

LXXXVI.
Oran Gaoil 194

A fugitive love-song, the object of th« compoier's
affections being a carpenter.

CONTENTS. XIIV.

PAOK
LXXXVII.

lOREAM LE TE d'a LEANNAN 196

A boat-song by a young woman to h©r iweet-
heart on his marrying another.

LXXXVIII.
Okan Gaoil 198

A good specimen of a fugitive love-song, well
known in Uist.

LXXXIX.

Oban a Mharaiche 300

This is a song by a young woman, who discloses
her name as Anne, to a seafaring man who had been
unfaithful to her. It haa been popular for a long
time in the Western Islee.

XC.
Orak Gaoil 202

Here the tables are turned upon the softer sex,
»nd female unfaithfulness is held up to scorn. The
author contemplated a departure over sea, either to
the gold-fields, or to wear the red coat.

XCI.
Oban Gaoil 304

This is a love-song composed to a country maid
who milked the cows, and wove the homespun cloth.
It Ì8 sung to a beautif ul air, and ia popular in Uist.

XCII.

Oram Gaoil 206

A love-song by a forsaken swain.

XCIII.
Cruinnbao na Buailb 307

This is a love-song to a milkmaid, a favourite
theme among the Highland bards, for whom the

XXX VI. CONTENTS.

PAOE

cattle fold and the milkmaid had a special fascina-
tion. The free, open, natural surroundings would
Btimulate the poetic fervour.

XCIV.
Oran Gaoil 209

ThÌ8 is on the well-worn theme of unrequited
love. The lady to whom the song was composed
was a daughter of Maclean of Boreray, North Uist.

XCV.
Mo Chailinn Donn Og 211

The author of this song in praise of the brown-
haired maiden is unknown. It is a very fine song
of its class, and is evidently the composition of a
man of education and culture.

XCVI.
Oran Gaoil 213

The air to which this song is sung is very popular
in many parts of the Highlands, but the version
given here has never before been published.

XCVII.

lORRAM 215

This is a boat-song composed by a woman to her
sweetheart. The prowess of their heroes in the
hunting field was a frequent theme of eulogy, as
here, among the fair wooers of the Muses.

XCVIII.
Oran Gaoil 217

This is a song composed by a woman whose lover
was enticed from her by another fair one, but who
has now consoled herself with a new lover.

XCIX.
Oran Gaoil 218

This love-song, which is of outstanding merit,
was composed by Angus Shaw, author of the song
given at page 117, to fair-haired Mary Macleod.

CONTENTS. XXXVn.

PAOE

C.

Oran lb Seoladair ....... 220

This song by a sailor is evidently a personification
of the ship " Catherine."

CI.
Oran a Bhata ........ 221

This is a boat-song composed to ' ' The Fair Lily ' '
and her seaworthy qualities. Seafaring men of
poetic gifts often sang the praises of their craft sub
forma ftmiiiae.

CII.
Oran Gaoil ........ 222

This is a spirited eulogy on the seaman-like
qualities of a Macdonald from the Glengarry
country.

CIII.

Oean Gaoil 223

This is a iove-song to a sailor, named Alexander,
who had evidently forsaken the authoress.

CIV.
Oran an t-Sealgair ....... 226

This hunter-song, the author of which is un-
known, is an excellent comj>osition, tender in feeling
and graceful in expression. The last verse is un-
usually altruistic for a love-song.

CV.
Oran Luaidh ........ 227

This waulking-song was very popular at one time
in Uist, and is an excellent specimen of this class of
poetical compositions.

XXXVIII. CONTENTS.

PAOE

CVI.

A Spàidaireachd Bharrach 330

This waulking-song, or " The Barra Boaetful-
ness," as it is called, was composed impromptu by a
Barra woman and a Uist woman as they sat at the
waulking board. The waulking board was fre-
quently the scene of disputation when a Parliament
of women met. The Barra woman exults in the
glories of the Macneills, while the Uist woman
replies disdainfully by saying that Barra was given
to them in charity by the Macdonalds when they
were in distress. As matter of fact, Alexander,
Earl of Ross and Lord of the Isles, gave a charter of
the lands of Barra to Gilleonan, the son of Roderick,
the son of Murdoch Macneill, in 1427. It was
either Alexander, or some other Macdonald of the
Isles, who, on leaving Barra with his retinue, com-
posed the following impi'omptu lines : —

" 'S mithich dhuinn a bhi triall.
A Barraidh chrion nach 'eil pailt,
Tha na sligean ag innse sgeul
Gu bheil Clann 'ic Neill nan airc ;
Theirear Tighearna ri Mac Neill,
Theirear iasg ris an iasg bheag ;
Theirear nead ri seid a gheòidh,
'S nead an fhionan fheòir, ge beag."

CVII.
Oran Luaidh 336

This waulking-song is the composition of Nighean
Aonghuis 'ic Dhomhnuill Bhain 'ic Dhomhnuill Oig,
a near relative of Mac lain 'ic Sheumuis, the hero
of Carinish fight. She lived in the Sand district
of North Uist. She was a bardess of note, and
composed eulogiea to Sir Donald Gorm Macdonald
of Sleat, to whom she refers as " Flath mor,
meadhrach,- Innsegall," and to Mac lain 'ic
Sheumuis. The song glven here was composed to
some Macdonald of position, whose kinship with
Clanranald, Mac lain 'ic Sheumuis, and other Mao-
donalds, is set forth.

CONTENTS. XXXIX.

PAQK
CVIII.

OSAH LUAIOB 388

This Ì8 a very old waulking-song. A favourit©
topic in these songs, which are usually the composi-
tion of women, is giving the genealogy of the object
of admiration, tracing it, as here, to Macdonald,
Macleod, and Mackenzie.

CIX.
OSAN LUAIDH 240

The composer of this waulking-song has a secret
in her heart which the song fails to disclose. It i»
oomposed to her lover who had left her for one who
had a larger tocher.

CX.
Oran Luaidh S49

From internal evidence it appears that this song
was oomposed about 1650. It is addressed at the
outset to a lady of the Clanranald family. There are
references to several of the clans, the favourite heing
the Clan Donald. The air ia very hearty and
pretty.

CXI.
Oran Luaidh S44

This Ì8 a North Uist composition some 200 years
old. Reference is made to the most prominent men
in the parish at that time. We are unable to
identify " Seumas na brataich," but the son^ ii
©vidently his wife'g oomposition.

CXII.
Oban Luaidh 346

This waulking-song is undoubtedly a very old
oomposition, several versions of which we have
oollected in the Western Isles. The air is common
both to the Western Isles and to Ireland, but
whether the song itself was originally Irish or Scotch
cannot now be asoertained. The air found ite way

xl.

CONTENTS.

PAOE

to England in the 16th century, as appears from an
English book of the year 1584. It also appears in
a book variously called " The Fitzwilliam Virginal
Book " and " Queen Elizabeth's Virginal Book."
Shakespeare, in Henry V., in the dialogue betweon
Pistol and a Prench soldier, neither of whom knew
the language of the other, puts these words in the
mouth of the former (according to one version) :
" Calen o custure me." In an old manuscript in our
possession reference is made to Shakespeare's
acquaintance with Gaelic airs and his liking for
them. It appears, indeed, as if the great Bard of
Avon had a personal acquaintance with Highland-
ers. Donald Gorm Macdonald of Sleat, Maclean of
Duart, and others in the Highlands were in league
with Queen Elizabeth against her brother of Scot-
land. There was so much communication between
the English court and the Highlands as to make it
highly probable that Shakespeare came into contact
with Gaelic-speaking Highlanders in London. It is
highly improbable that any Highlanders followed in
the train of the Scottish Solomon himself when he
went to reign in England. In " The Merry Wives
of Windsor ' ' the English put into the mouth of the
Welsh parson, Evans, is identical with that spoken
now by the ordinarily educated Highlander. It is
interesting to find the title of a Gaelic song trans-
planted into the very heart of English literary cul-
ture more than 300 years ago.

CXIII.

Oran Luaidh 348

Thia is a quaint old waulking-song, probably &n
Eigg composition. The measure is unusual, one
short line and then the refrain repeated by all the
women! The composer descante on her lover's
promises, and contemplates a quick passage across
" the melancholy main." It was probably the evolu-
tion of a scheme of elopement.

CONTENTS. . Xli.

PAGE

CXIV.
Oran Luaidh 249

The authoress of this soug begins by eulogising
Macleod of Harris, but immediately changes her
mind and repeats the sentiment in favour of Clan-
ranald, who had given free lands to her grandsire.
Her behaviour towards him was better than that of
another maid whom she vituperates by maligning
some remote aucestor or totem — Siol na bruide.
This maid answers, and accuses her antagonist of
witchci'aft. The references to Donald Gorm and
Ranald of Beubecula fix the time of composition
about 300 years ago.

cxv.

Oran Luaidh ........ 253

In this song a Barra woman, a partisan of the
Macueills, bestows in imaginatiou the Clan Donald
patrimony on the Macneills, with a Castle on every
kuoll in Ireland. The Macneills seem to be in
chronic distress, and are now as they appear in the
lines by the Lord of the Isles already quoted.

CXVI.
Oran Luaidh 254

This song Ì3 by a Harris womau, who dilates on
the sumptuousuess of her upbringing. She wishea
fair weather for the birlinn, and curses auother
womau of whom she is jealous. She praises the
Chiefs of the Isles, and bestows extra praise upon
Clanranald, evidently Allan of the '15.

CXVII.
Oran Luaidh 258

This song opens in praise of John Campbell of
Scalpa, Harris, aud winds up with the Macneills
on the " oceau wave," uo doubt on creach intent.
The Macueills of old were notorious pirates, who
carried their depredations to every creek in the
Western Isles, and were a source of terror to their
neighbours.

Xlii. CONTENTS.

, PAOE

CXVIII.
Oran Luaidh 361

This domesfcic episode in verse, fchough appar-
©nfcly old, fails somehow to excite infceresfc.

CXIX.
Oran Luaidh 263

This song is fche comiiosifcion of a woman in
praise of fche ship in which her seafaring lover,
Roderick, sailed.

cxx.

Oran Luaidh 266

This song, in praise of an Alexander NicoUon,
Ì8 probably a Skye composifcion.

CXXI.
Oran Luaidh 266

This is a lamenfc for an absenfc lover, who had
evidenfcly emigrat«d to America. The young maid
refuses to be wooed by another, in fche hope of hii
refcum.

CXXII.
OrAN LUAIDH S68

This is a lament by a fair one for her lover, who,
though losfc to sight, is still fco memory dear. The
handsome youth in his Highland dresa has leffc
behind him an indelible impression.

CXXIII.
Oran Luaidh 370

The composer of this song is a woman alone on an
island with two children who in imagination hat
been entertaiuing quite a host of Highland chiefs —
Mackenzie, Macleod, Glengarry, Mackinnon, and
Clanranald.

CONTENTS. xliii.

PÀOB
CXXIV.

0»AN LUAIDH 372

This song, which is sung to a beautiful air, wa«
heard in her sleep by a woman in Boreray, North
Uist, who had lost her daughter, a young and
beautiful girl. When she awoke in the moming she
sang the song.

cxxv.

Oran Luaidh 273

The young man who composed this song, which
is evidently old, lost his " round brown maid" for
want of worldly gear which, it seems, attracted her
elsewhere.

CXXVI.

Oban Luaidh 275

The hero of this song, which is from an old
manuscript, is the redoubtable Colla Ciotach Mac-
donald of Colonsay. Coll, after his escape from the
Castle of Dunnyveg early in 1615, found his way to
the Western Isles, accompanied by various clansmen
of the Isla dispersion. A contemporary manuscript
gives a lively and detailed account of Coll's wander-
ings through the Isles, including St Kilda. During
his sojourn in the lonely isle, he appears in the
anomalous role of arbiter in an ecclesiastical dispute.
The people of St Kilda were divided over the ques-
tion of paying ecclesiastical dues, demanded by an
individual who had taken upon himself to discharge
certain ministerial duties among them. One section
of the community refused to pay on the ground that
the man was unqualified, he being unable to repeat
the paternoster. The matter in dispute was sub-
mitted to the judgment of Colla Ciotach, who with
great gravity decided in favour of the impostor,
declaring that in the whole course of his life he
had never heard of a clergyman deposed for being
unacquainted with the Lord's Prayer. In North
Uist, Colla and his companions held high revelry

xlÌV. CONTENTS.

PÀOK

among their kinsmen of Clan Donald. It was on
this occasion the song was composed by Mor Nighean
Uisdean, sister of John Macdonald of Griminish.

CXXVII.

Mou NiGHEAN A Ghiobarlain 278

Marion, the danghter of the Gaberlunzie, which
Ì8 the title of this broadly humorous song, appears
from internal evidence to be a composition of about
the year 1650. It was very popular at one time in
Uist, and used to be sung to a fine air. The heroine
of the satire, unless she is much maligned, was a
lady of easy virtue, and the description of her dress,
style of hair, and other characteristics, is serio-comic
throughout. It has probably received accretions
during the centuries. Some verses have been
cmitted,

CXXVIII.

Am Call a Chruinn-ciuil ..... 281

Roderick Morrison, the Blind Harper, author of
this song, was the son of John Morrison of Bragar,
in Lewis, who is said to have had " Ladies' modesty,
Bishops' gravity, Lawyers' eloquence, and Captains'
conduct." Roderick was intended for one of the
leamed professions, but while attending school at
Inverness he had an attack of smallpox, which
deprived him of his sight, in cousequenoe of which
he turned his attention to music and poetry, and
studied under masters both in Ireland and in Scot-
land. His fame as a harper secured him the
appointment of bard and harper to that patron of
Gaelic institutions, John Breac Macleod of Dun-
vegan, whose elegy he afterwards composed. It was
at Dunvegan he composed the song given here, and
published for the fii-st timo. Sitting by the kitchen
fire he dropped the key of his harp in the ashes,
which Le was raking with his fingers, when Mrs
Macleod coming in, enquired of one of the maids
what it was that Rorie had lost. " ChaiII e
'chrann," she answered. Rory at once took up the
word " crann," andgiving it a forced meaning, com-

CONTENTS. Xlv.

PAOE

posed his song, which is very clever and humorous.
A boat " manned" by women, evidently of some
notoriety, their names being given, was despatched
across the Minch to Barra in se^rch of a harp key
for the blind minstrel. The aiTÌval of the Dun-
vegan crew in Barra caused no little excitement
among the women of the island. The denouement
need not be particularised . Rory Morrison, who
was famous as a harper and poet all over the
country, died an old man, and was buried at Aoidh,
in the modem parish of Knock, in Lewis.

CXXIX.
Rannan Breige 284

This song — verses without truth — was composed
by a young woman on her being promised a pardon
for her brother who lay in prison under sentenoe of
death, if next morning she could sing a song without
a word of truth in it. According to one account,
she saved her brother's life, but according to another
the one word of truth, "A chuthag is gug-gùg U-VVv^To'"
aice ' marred the efficacy of the song.

cxxx.

Seann Oran Leodhasach ...... 285

The main interest of this old Lewis rhyme is in
the reference made to an ancient method of
manuring the land. One stalked through the field
carrying a creel of ashes on his baek, and another
followed beating it with a stick and scattering the
ashes for the benefit of the soil.

CXXXI.

HORO BHODACHAIN HORO ...... 286

This is a humorous satire composed by a young
wife to a greedy and miserly old man. He needed
a whole buU's hide for a pair of shoes and a peck
of meal for a diet.

xlvi. CONTENTS.

PAOI

CXXXII.

BoDACHAN A Ghabaidh 288

This humorous North Uist rhyme has been often
in other years used as a dance tune, in the absence
of a musical instrument. The little old man, the
hero of the rhyme, flourished in the township of
Tigheary.

CXXXIII.
Oran do dhroch Bhailidh ...... 289

This savage lampoon on an oppressive factor
reflects the mental attitude of the community
towards him. It has been added to in diflFerent
localities, but the original factor is believed to have
been on the Ardnamurchan estate. It may have
been at his grave the following lines were recited : —
" Cuiribh air, cuiribh air,

'S e esan a chuireadh oimne,

'S ma dh' eireas e rithis

Cuiridh e 'n còrr oirnn."

CXXXIV.
Oran nan Tailleirean ...... 290

This is a satire on the North Uist tailors by
John MacCodrum. His attentions were thus
engaged by the sartorial fraternity while he lived
at Airidh a' Phuill, in Eval. His satire on the
tailors led to his appointment as Bard to Sir James
Macdonald, the proprietor of North Uist. The
amiable and accomplished Sir James, on the occasion
of his first visit to North Uist after his coming of
age, met the Bard literally in rags, and was greatly
ehocked to see him in such a condition. The Bard
had no hesitation in telling the Chief the cause of
his appearing before him in such tattered garments,
and Sir James desired him to repeat the versea
which had so roused the ire of the knights of the
needle . The Chief was highly delighted and amused ,
and he there and then appointed MacCodrum hi»
Bard.

CONTENTS. llvii.

fàob
CXXXV.

DiMOLADH PiOB Dhomhnuill Bhain .... 292

Several versions of this inimitable satire on the
bagpipe have already appeared, but in every case
the text has been more or less corrupt. It seemed
desirj.ble that a pure text should be published,
though the poem has long been known to all
students of Gaelic Literature. Donald Bain, who
was a Macaulay from Paible, North Uist, was a
local piper of evidently no great repute as a per-
former on the great Highland instrument. Even
his tuning, as he -sat on the kiln rostrum, left much
to be deaired.

CXXXVI.

Leine Lachdunn Euairidh Ruaidh .... 297

The wedding shirt of Red Rory is of a somewhat
sombre hue, and had passed through many phases
previous to his possession of it. It was used as a rag
to wipe off sweat in the ball-room, a duster for the
tavern table, and other purposes of an unedifying
description. It concludes with a pithy speculation
on the philosopliy of heredity. The author is un-
known. The air is that of a well known pipe tune.

CXXXVII.
Orak an Tailleir 298

This song is in the form of a dialogue between
the bard's wife and a tailor. Tailors in the High-
lands used to itinerate, and were wont to feed on
the best fare wherever they went. In this case the
tailor's fare consisted of soft, watery potatoes,
according to his own account of it. The good wife
naturally resented the reflection on her housekeep-
ing. The author of the song was Donald Maclean,
a North Uist poet of repute, known as Domhnull
Bàn na Camairt. He was born about 1760. His
father, Ewen, was gamekeeper to Sir James Mac-
donald, and lived at Ardmaddy. In this situation

Xlviii. CONTENTS.

he was succeeded by the bard, who in his turn w»8
succeeded by his son, Allan. Donald composed a
number of songs, all of which are in a humoroua
strain and of considerable merit. " Oran nft
Caraairt " may be put in the first claes of its kind.
' ' Oran an Duinghaineachadh ' ' is said to have been
hÌ9 first attempt at versifying, and was composed on
the occasion of his seeing his future wife for the
first time —

' * Thug i suil orm air a fiaradh

'S b' e 8ud a cheud uair a ghabh i 'n dòchas."

She wae a daughter of Ewen MacEachen, Dun-
ganachadh, Benbecula, patronymically known as
Eobhan Mac lain Bhàin. Donald was very ready-
witted — geur-fhaclach. An instance of his gearradh-
cainnte may be given. He and another worthy and
brother bard — an Dall Mor — foregathered on rent-
day, presided over by Captain Allan Cameron, the
factor. When Donald came into the room he
noticed the blind bard — known as " A' Muilleach,"
and said : " Tha sibh ann, Muillich." Fhreagair
an Dall, " Ma's a Muilleach 's buileach." " Ma 's
a buileach 's breac," arsa Domhnull. " Ma 's a
breac, 's breac geal," ars' an Dall. " 'S ann mar
sin," ars' a Domhnull, " is fearr leis a Bhailidh
Mhor thu, 's bi thu aige air a dhìnneir." It was
on this occasion, Donald being in arrears of rent,
the factor said to him : " Now, Donald, if you put
every creature you possess in one verse the arreara
will be remitted. Donald at ooice rose to the occa-
BÌon, and replied : —

" 'S mi fhin an Dara Domhnull,
Agus Domhnull-a-chinn-bhàin,
Tha bean, tha leanabh beag agam,
Pat is Mairead Bhàn ;
Bò-dhonn, bò-chrom, is dò-bhliadhnach,
Lothag òg, is làir;
Sin iad air an cunntas
LeÌ3 an lùd' air an t-Srombàn."

PAOB

CONTENTS. xlÌX.

PAOI
CXXXVIII.

Oran Loiraig ........ 399

This song is also by Donald Maclean. Loirag
was a wild wandering woman who bore this descrip-
tive nickname. The bard, on his way to a Christmas
entertainment, met her in a lonely place. The
verses are descriptive of his mental perturbation.

CXXXIX.

Oran na Ba 300

The author of this humorous son was Angus
Campbell, known patronymically as Aonghus Mac
Dhomhnuill 'ic Eobhain, and soraetimes as Am
Bard Sgallach. He was a native of Benbecula, and
lived and died at Aird there in 1843. He com-
posed several songs, four of which are given in this
Collection, and was undoubtedly a good bard.

The cow of the song was a mart-lamhaig for
winter consumption, purchased from Patrick Nicol-
son, Torlum, factor for Clanranald. The bard
describes in a humorous vein the lean condition of
the quadruped, evidently in no better condition
than the lean kine of Pharaoh's dream. There are
several words in this song which are not commonly
used now.

CXL.
Iain Mac 'ic Fhionghainn ...... 301

This highly humorous song in the mock-heroic
strain was composed by John Macmillan, known
patronymically as lain Mac Uisdean 'ic Dhonn-
chaidh, who lived at Lineclate, Benbecula, and
emigrated to America about 1850. John Mac-
kinnon, son of Neil Mackinnon, the hero of the
song, who was a half-witted clumsy creature,
attended a local dance, where he presented, it
seems, a very ludicrous appearance. MacmiUan,
who had a keen sense of humour, was present, and
watched the awkward movements of the dancer. In
the song he gives his hero credit for every virtue and
good quality which he emphatically did not possess.

*. CONTENTS.

PAOK

CXLI.
Oran nan Coilleach 30S

Angus Macpherson, known patronymically as
Aonghus Og Mac Aonghuis 'ic Dhomhnuill 'ic lain,
lived at Griminish Moor, Benbecula, and died there
about 1843. He composed several other songs
besides those given here, all of which are meritor-
ious. It is seldom, if ever, that a rooster received
such justioe as Macpherson's, which was a gift from
a friend.

CXLII.
Oran na Cliath-luaidh 306

This song of the waulking board is by the same
author. Angus Bàn was in deep depression because
the waulking board was lost, and though he had a
web of cloth ready it could not be fulled. The
board was to be taken by boat to another island, but
when Callxim went to the rock to which the boat
was fastened no trace of it could be found. Their
adventures form the subject of the song.

CXLIII.
AoiR Iagain ....... 310

This stinging satire was composed by the
"Piobaire Mòr," a Lochaber man who emigrated to
Canada many years ago. The individual satirized
was the Rev. John Maclennan, Episcopal Minister
at Fort-William, some 60 or 70 years sinoe. He
was locally known as " lagan Beag a Chotain
Bhàin," and was evidently an epicure. The satir^st
describes in humorous if somewhat scurrilous lan-
guage how the diminutive Episcopalian, who may or
may not have been an advanced ritualist, vigorously
feasted on the monster sea-devil, notwithstanding
itfl " high " condition. This sea monster (Mac
Lathaich) had been cast ashore and lain there for
Bome time. The minister who lived at Achintore
(famovis as the bleaching green of the slain Camp-
bells at Inverlochy in 1645) would not allow the
piper and a party of roadmen to boil their porridge
pot in his kitchen, and he got the satire for his
churlÌBhness.

CONTENTS. U.

PAOI

CXLIV.
Oran an t-Saoir ....... 312

Angus Macpherson, the author of this eong,
known as Aonghus MacChalluim 'ic lain, was an
itinerant boatbuilder. He was born at Aird-an-
eoin, near Creagorry, Benbecula, lived for some time
in Barra, where he married, and died at Carnan-
an-Iochdair about 1863. The song, which possesses
great merit, was composed when the bard was laid
aside by illness and afflicted temporarily with loss of
eyesight. Angus, who was of a convivial disposi-
tion, dearly loved a dram, for which the South Uist
priests, Fathers James Macgregor of lochdar and
John Chisholm of Bornish, often brought him to
task. Angus, though a good Catholic, resented the ,
admonitions of these good men, and by way of show-
ing his resentment, eulogises Mr Colin Macdonald,
the Priest of Barra, who was himself a bard of some
repute.

CXLV.
Oràn na Mnatha 314

This amusing song by the same author is in the
form of a dialogue between himself and his wife,
who threatens to leave him on account of his con-
vivial tendencies. She does not condemn modera-
tion, and asserts her right to a more liberal allow-
anoe of tea.

CXLVI.

Oran a Bhata do 'm b' ainm " Struileag " . 316

This boat-song is by the same author. " Struil-
eag" was an imaginary boat which was sent from
one person to another accompanied by a rhyme. It
could not be passed on to the next person without
the rhyme.

CXLVII.
Marbhrann Nighean Domhnuill Oig 'ic Ioain . . 318
This very amusing but rancorous mock-elegy was
composed by a man Maclsaac from Lochboisdale,

lìì- CONTENTS.

PiOI

South Uist, while in service at Lochmaddy. His
" leannan-baird" and pet aversion was Mary Mac-
Kegan, a North Uist woman, at whom he had lev-
elled several libellous shafts. Her personal appear-
ance is reflected in the couplet : —

" O dìth bìdh air Nighean DomhnuiU Oig 'ic

Igain,
Tha amhaich fhada righinn air a chorra

ghridhich ghrannda.'.'
" The tongue can no man tame" : not Maclsaac's
©vidently, as long as Mary Mackegan is near hira,
and at last he had to answer for it before the
Sheriff . Defamation of character is a serious offence
in the estimation of the law, and the foUowing verae
was nothing if not defamatory : —

" Bhiodh tu far am biodh an tì,

Phlìteag nam boirionnach ;

Bhiodh an ailis air do dhruim,

Gu 'm biodh tu ri meirle."
In thia elegy the place of her sepulture was a church-
yard dedicated to StComgan, atMacCodrum'sbirth-
place, not far from the old parish church of North
Uist, where, according to the bard, Mary lay in a
Bomewhat unedifying posture alongside a Norse
King, with no " storied urn, or animated bust."

CXLVIII.

Oran Aonohuis Ruaidh 320

Angus Roy Robertson, the hero of these witty
verses, was a servant at Cunambuntag, Benbecula,
in the sixties of last century. Angus, who was
known as " Aonghus Ruadh Olibheir," was a North
Uist man, and near relative of Edward Burke, the
well-known body servant of Prince Charles. It was
the time of Yule, and the weather was frosty.
Angus was sent on a mission to provide the usual
aids to the season's festivities, and as his return
was delayed, the young men of Cunambuntag,
assisted by a neighbour, Duncan MacLellan, strung
their lyre, and this amusing ditty resulted. There
were grave fears about Angus's fate, and a search
party must be organised. As was wont when a great

CONTENTS. lÌÌÌ.

PAOE

man died, his meteor was seen two days previously,
aiid ' tlie touch of a vanished hand" would be no
longer heard on his fìddle. The hero's obsequies
would be duly solemnised. " Bean Thormoid Oig,"
whose gifts of speech were known, would express the
general sorrow, and the jar which was destined for
other purposes would be done ample justice to by
the convivial " Eoghainn Maor."

CXLIX.

Orxn nan Eibionnach an Glascho . . .321

This humorous and really clever satire on the
Glasgow Irishmen was composed by Alexander Mor-
rison in 1874, when he lived in Govan, where he
was employed as a mason. He now resides at
Rucaidh, in North Uist, his native place, where he
keeps a shop, but unfortunately does not cultivate
the muses. He has not composed anything for
many years, we believe from religious scruples, but
had he chosen to exercise his undoubted poetical
gifts he would have earned no mean reputation.

CL.

Blar Hogh 323

This humorous song— the battle of Howmore —
was composed some 20 years ago by the Rev. Rod-
erick Macdonald, minister of South Uist, on a blood-
less and amusing scuffle that took place among the
members of the Parochial Board, named here
" Ciiirt nan Cailieachan," over the medical officer
of the parish. The incident occurred in the vestry
of the Parish Church, where the meeting-s were
held. Local knowledge is needed to fully appreciate
thevarious allusions.

CLI.

Taladh 325

An inferior version of this lullaby appeared in
Turner's Collection in 1813, and has since been
copied by several others. The version given here,
which is incomplete, was obtained in Uist. The

lÌV. CONTENTS.

PAOE

lullaby was composed by a daughter of Duncan
Campbell of Glenlyon, known as Donnchadh Ruadh
na Fèile, on the death of her husband, Gregor Roy
Macgregor of Glenstrae. She was the mother of
Alastair of Glenstrae, who also had a tragic end,
and of John Dubh, the baby of the lullaby. The
tradition in Glenlyon, which no doubt is substanti-
ally correct, is that she fell in love with Gregor Roy,
who was a handsome man, and married him against
lier father's wish. After living in concealment for
some time, the couple were tracked and carried to
Bealloch, where Gregor was beheaded in presence of
his wife. Gregor had not only incurred the wrath
of Campbell of Glenlyon, but there had been besides
a long-standing feud between him and Cailein Liath
of Glenorchy and Black Duncan, his son. At
length, at their instigation, Gregor was tried by
order of the Privy Council, under the presidency of
the Earl of Atholl, and beheaded at Bealloch in
1570. The following entry appears in " The
Chronicle of Fortingall ' ' : — ' ' The vij da of Apryll
Gregor M'Gregor of Glenstra heddyt at Belloch
anno sexte an ten yeiris."

CLII.
Taladh 326

This oran ionndrainn is by a mother for her lost
child, who had been spirited away by the fairies.
From the simplicity and directness of the style, the
song appears to be very old. As late as the com-
mencement of the 19th centuiy, the practice pre-
vailed in the Long Island of lulling old people to
sleep with Fingalian songs and tales. A woman
died in South Uist not niany years ago whose
principal occupation in the family where she served
was to perform this duty night after night for an
old lady, the widow of the Rev. George Munro,
minister of that parish.

CONTENTS. Iv.

PAOE
CLIII.

Taladh 328

This lullaby is evidently by a Skyeman lament-
ing the death of his wife, whose child he lulls to
sleep.

CLIV.

LuiNNEAG Bleoghain na Banachaig .... 329

This beautiful milking song, which has an old-
world ring, was composed by a poor widow, whose
only daughter had been spirited away by the fairies.
The mother had sent the daughter with the cow to
the hill. While resting on what turned out to be
a fairy knoll (sìthein), a door opened, and she was
taken in and never seen again. This Luinneag
begins with an address of eulogy to the cow, referred
to as " an Druimfhinn uasal," to induce her to give
her milk. Milking songs have been in vogue from
time immemorial, and many cows accustomed to the
song will not give their milk without it.

CLV.
Oran Sithe 331

This fragment of a fairy song is the composition
of a young woman of many personal attractions, who
was observed to waste away without any cause for
which her friends could account; nor could she be
persuaded to disclose to her parents the cause of
her decline. At length she disclosed the secret to
her sister, on condition of the most solemn promise
being given that she would not divulge it. She
was in love with a faii-y whom she met occasionally
by appointment, and the cause of her decline was
the sense of extreme loneliness and dreary longing
she felt during the intervals of their meetings. The
sister, notwithstanding her vow of secrecy, dis-
closed the whole to her father and three brothers,
who forthwith took horses and rode to the trysting
place of the lovers, and killed the fairy. The young
woman died soon after.

Ivi. CONTENTS.

PAOB

CLVI.

Na tri EoiN Chruinne-ghealla Dhonn 332

The three birds were the three children of a first
wife, and the second was a typical stepmother. The
verses illustrate in a series of epigraminatic lines a
contradictory wife at cross purposes with her hus-
band, he pulling one way and she another. It is
really a satire on womankind.

CLVII.

Oran na Brath ....... 334

This is the second quern-song in the Collection.
Grinding with the quern was in early times a species
of servile labour, it being certainly hard work, and
this quaint and very remarkable poem is probably
a reminiscence of old servile conditions. It is sug-
gestive of the Icelandic song of the Quern Grott«,
in which three giantesses grind for King Frodi.
Here a variety of inducements are held out to the
bondmaid or " cailleach," the quern-cake with the
dairymaid's milk being ofifered as guerdon. Her
employer even oifered her the goodman of the house,
but the quern-maid was sceptical as to the sincerity
of this far too generous offer. The inducement that
prevailed was the announcement of a man coming
to seek for her, thus effecting her deliverance from
bondage, whereupon the quern began to move with
marvellous velocity, the worker uttering words of
delirious ecstasy. This song is altogether a unique
illustration of the old life of the people.

CLVIII.

CuMHA Mhic-an-Toisich 336

We have given this oomposition the name by
which it is best known, but in the Western Isles,
where the version given here was obtained, it is
called " Cumha Mhic a Arisaig," or " Bealach a
Ghàraidh." Our version seems to have no connec-

CONTENTS. Ivii.

PAGE

tion with the air given in CampbeH's Anthology,
and one or two other publications. The very name
of the hero of the Lament is against the assertion
that he was a Mackintosh chief . Eoghann Og was
not the name of any of the chiefs of that family.
The title, " Cumha Mhic a Arisaig," would seem to
identify him with the Clanranald country. Evi-
dently two compositions originally distinct, but
bearing a resemblance to one another, have been
amalgamated and now form one song. There are
several traditions, diflFering very materially, in
regard to its Mackintosh origin. The present
Mackintosh believes it to have been composed by
the family bard, Maclntyre, in the year 1550, on
the death of William, who was murdered by the
Countess of Huntly that year.

CLIX.

Rannan do Mhnaoi uasail ...... 339

The author of these lines was John Carswell,
Bishop of the Isles. Carswell was born about 1520
at Carnsary, in the parish of Kilmartin, Argyllshire,
of which parish he afterwards became Rector, as
well as chaplain to the Earl of Argyll. In 1560 he
became Superintendent of Argyll and the Isles. In
1566 he became Bishop of the Isles, and died in
1572. His name is j>erpetuated in the literature of
the Highlands by his translation into Gaelic of
Knox's liturgy in 1567. There is a Gaelic hymn
and a few fragments of his other poetical composi-
tions still remaining. In his zeal for the spread of
the Reform doctrines he adopted an inimical atti-
tude to the old Gaelic culture. The lines given here
are by no means laudatory, but intended to
counteract the vanity of birth, beauty, and accom-
plishments by an antidote such as another poet
administered to Lady Clara Vere de Vere.

Iviii. C0NTENT8.

PAOB

CLX.

BlOOH AM DEOCUS' AIR LAIMH MO RUIN .... 340

This health-song is evidently a Skye oomposition
of the time of Sir Donald Macdonald of Sleat, who
died in 1643. It has been sometimes sung as a
waulking-song.

CLXI.

Oran Mulaid a Phriosanaich an Dun-Raonuill . 342

This dirge of the prisouer at Dunranald, in South
Uist, was composed by Brian MacVurich. He wae
an illegitimate son of one of the MacVurich bards.
MacVurich, while studying in Ireland, added this
child to the population of the Emerald Isle. Brian,
who was a seafaring man, came on one occasion to
South Uist, and " lifted " cows belonging to Clan-
ranald, for which he was apprehended and put in
irons — piollaid — at Dun-Raonuill, a stromghold of
the Clanranald family. It was during his incarcera-
tion there he composed the song, on hearing which
the Bard MacVurich acknowledged him as his son.

CLXII.
Uaigh Mhic Callduinn ..... 344

This is a song of longing, a not uncommon type
of lovo-song, and, like others originating in the
Western Isles, abounds in boating references.

CLXIII.
An Eucag 345

This is a love-song of irregular measure, in which
the praises of a maiden are set forth with all her
good qualities and virtues.

CLXIV.

Oran mu 'n Uisge-bheatha ...... 346

This ode to whisky, which is, unfortunately, not
quite complete, is supposed to be the composition of
Mac-a-Lighiche, the Skye Bard. John Barley-

CONTENTS. lÌX.

PA6E

corn, with proper pride of descent, sings his own
praises, and sets forth with much emphasis the great
influence which he has exercised over a wide field
eince he came out of " bond " in his native Ferin-
tofih.

CLXV.
Oban mu 'n Eideàdh Ghaidhealach .... 348

Hanoverian discipline in the Highlands after the
'45 was nothing if not thorough. The Ten Com-
mandments were suspended with the Habeas-Corpus
Act. The Disarming Act of 1746 among other
things prohibited the wearing of the Highland dress
under pains and penalties. A more cowardly and
absurd piece of legislation was never passed by a
panic-stricken Government. It roused the Highland
bards to a high pitch of angry denunciation, and
such bards as John MacCodrum denounced it and
its authors in the most scathing terms. For years
those clansmen who persisted in defying the Act and
wearing the only garb they possessed, or go naked,
were hunted by the redooats like partridges upon
the mountains, and pursued with the persistency of
the Eumenides on the trail of Orestes. The reports
given in by the captains of the different Highland
posts are in many cases ludicrously humorous. One
man chased and caught in the act excused himself
by saying that he wore only " dyed blanket." Two
men, one wearing trousers and the other a kilt, were
pursued by the redcoats into a hut, but the men had
time to strip themselves before their pursuers
entered the hut, and the pursuers afterwards could
not swear which of them wore the kilt. Others were
not so fortunate, and the country jails were filled to
their utmost capacity with men wearing the tartan.

Mrs Stevenson, the authoress of the song given
here, was Margaret Campbell, wife of the Rev.
James Stevenson, minister of Ardnamurchan from
1703 to 1732, and of Ardchattan from 1732 to 1751.
She died in 1775.

Ix. CONTENTS.

PA6B

CLXVI.
Oran an t-Saighdeir ...... 350

This 8ong of the soldier is a fugitive baliad added
to in many districts. It was originally composed by
a young man who had enlisted in the Army.
Apparently a native of Glenorchy, he bida farewell
to the land of deer and trout, and above all of fair
maidens, whose disapproval he had won by donning
ihe soldier's uniform.

CLXVII.
Oran na Banntraich .361

This song of the widow was composed by a womaa
who had seen her husband, father, and three
brothers drowned by the swamping of a boat. The
husband, who was a Barra man, was buried at
Trinity Temple, Carinish, a religious establishment
founded and maintained by the Family of the Isles.

CLXVIII.

Failtk do 'n Chleir ....... 353

This salutation, or welcome, to the Presbytery of
Uist was repeated by John MacCodrum on the occa-
sion of the admission of the Rev. Allan Macqueen
as minister of North Uist at Kilmuir, on the 28th
September, 1770. The gathering of the clergy was
followed by the proverbial bad weather, for which
the Bard makes an apology, and invokes the divine
blessing. Living many miles away, he is obliged,
with evident reluctance, to take his departure with-
out sharing the festivities of the day.

CLXIX.

Rann air Ba8 Neill Mhic Ghilleathainn . 354

Neil Maclean, Kersiva, Lochmaddy, wae factor
for Lord Macdonald in North Uist, and a man of
note in his day. He was of the Macleans of Boreray,
and died in 1769. The eulogium passed on him in
this epitaph by John MacCodrum is no more than
he deeerved.

CONTENTS. Ixi.

PAOE

CLXX.

OrAM DiMOLAIDH DO " RUDDLE " AlRDNAMURCHAN 356

This song, composed about the middle of the 18th
century, by an unknown author, in dispraise of a
laird of Ardnamurchan, proves that the land ques-
tion is not a new one. The bard rises early and
hears the mavis, but his thoughts come back to hìs
hard lot, labouring an unproductive soil and threo
years' rent to pay. He regrets the disappearanoe of
the old chiefs, and resents being robbed by a
nobody.

CLXXI.
A Challuinn ........ 356

This song was originally the composition of Mrs
Macleod, Luskintyre, but has been added to else-
where. It is a lively song, and has been much in
vogue on festive occasions in the Isles.

CLXXII.
Oran nan Calluinnean ...... 358

This Hogmanay song by Angus Og Macpherson
Ì8 an apology for his larder, many having haled the
bard with a duan on bannock night, and he had none
to give them. Times were hard in Benbecula and
crops were poor, which sufficiently accounts for the
res angusta domi. Whoever is to blame is referred
to the Day of Judgment.

CLXXIII.
Oran Bainnse ........ 360

This soug was composed by Donald Maclean,
Camart. It is a complaint of not having been
invited to a wedding. He called, however, at the
house when the feast was being prepared, and got
a dram and a whole duck from the hostess as a
$olatium.

Ixii. CONTENTS.

PAOE

CLXXIV.

Cailin Donn a Chuailein Reidh 362

This Ì8 a vagabond Bong with a pretty air.

CLXXV.
Oran a Bhotuil 363

This bacchanalian, or bottle eong, is of the real
oonvivial type. The bard, evidently, had incurred
the loss of cattle, as he promi&es payment of his score
in the form of a cow's hide. But " Begone, dull
care," was his motto, and he fortifies his Epicurean
philosophy by libations to Bacchus.

CLXXVI.
Oran Uidhisteach ....... 364

A popular Uist ballad, sung on festive occasions.
There are many more verses besides those given here.

CLXXVII.
Oran Irteach 365

This song is by a lowly St Kilda maiden who
had fallen in love with Campbell of Islay, on the
occasion of a visit by him to the lonely isle, and
deserted a former lover. She sets forth her feelings
in smooth measure and simple but chaste style.

CLXXVIII.
Duanag do 'n Ghaoith ...... 367

This exquisite lyric is the composition of a living
bard, Dr Alexander Morrison of Larkhall, formerly
of Sollas, North Uist. Dr Morrison haa courted
the muses in other effusions which deserve to live,
and modesty alone withholds their publication. He
paints the wind in its various phases, sighing
through the foliage of trees, whispering about the
grass, and bearing the scent of flowers under its
wing, or riding in the greatness of its strength, and
felling the mighty forest trees. Every stanza is a
picture.

CONTENTS. IxÌÌÌ.

PAQK
CLXXIX.

Seann Oran ........ 369

The authoT of this fine old song is unknown. It
is a masterpiece of the poetic art, while the senti-
ment is pure, the diction classic, and the thought
and treatment cultivated.

CLXXX.

Oran le Uidhisteach an America .... 370

This song of the Uist emigrant, now an exile,
is expressive of the hardships endured in America,
especially by the older emigrants. Their thoughts
went back to their native land, dwelling on bygone
friends and days — the golden spoils of memory — and
finding expression in the well-known lines : —

" From the lone shieling on the misty island,
Mountains divide us and a waste of seas,
But still our hearts are true, our hearts are

Highland,
And in our dreams we behold the Hebrides."

CLXXXI.

Seann Oran 372

This is a song by a disappointed loiver, who rings
the changes on the infidelity of the lady. He would
not have grudged her to a man of reputation, but to
be forsaken for the bald weaver of the shuttles was
beyond endurance.

CLXXXII.

Marbhrann Chaiptin Fearghustan .... 374

The subject of this mock elegy by John Mac-
Codrum was the notorious Captain John Ferguson,
commander of the ship " Furnace," employed in
1746 in the search for Prince Charles in the Western
Isles. Ferguson, who was universally detested for
his harsh proceedings, was of the family of Badi-
furrow, in Aberdeenshire. He is charged with

llÌV. CONTENTS.

PAOB

hanging two men in Barra for not giving him the
information he desired. Following the example o£
hÌ8 master and model, Butcher Cumberland, he
allowed hÌ3 men to commit great outrages in the
islands of Eigg and Canna. He did not consider
even poor Edward Burke beneath his notice, and
searched all North Uist for him, but without success.
He and the bard may have met on this occasion.
Mrs Macdonald of Kingsburgh lifted her hands with
horror when he announced himself shortly after the
departure of the Prinoe from the house. He
searched it carefully, with all the outhouses, and
asked most impertinent and indelicate questions
about the illustrious wanderer and his fair guardian.
Flora herself, when arrested, was taken on board
the " Furnace." It is satisfactory to find that
though he continued in the service, this blackguard
never received promotion. He died in 1767. In
this elegy John MacCodrum, who, like the rest of
the brotherhood of Gaelic bards, was a true
Jacobite, belabours him with right good will, and
gives expression to the universal feeling regarding
him. He rejoiced at the welcome news wafted
across the Cuan-Sgìth of the foundering of Fergu-
son's ship. The very hills express their joy, all
except one, which, like Agamemnon of old, had
" wept like a waterfall," but the other hills
promptly sat upon it. The notorious Capt-ain and
his ship had perished amid the angry waves. If »
great whale, or seal, has swallowed him, MacCodrum
feels sure he will not be delivered as Jonah was. He
would have a millstone tied round his neck, and Ben
Cruachan itself heaped upon him to prevent hia
ever rising again.

CLXXXIII.

Beannacbadh Tiohb Fir Bhaosdail .... 176

The house which so drew MacCodrum's admira-
tion was Kilbride House, the residence of Colin Mac-
donald of Boisdale, demolished a few years ago.
The " Blessing on Boisdale's House " was composed

CONTENTS. IXV.

PAOE

after 1768, in which year died Alexander Macdonald
of Boisdale, of whom the bard speaks as having
passed away, and to whose memory the first part of
the song is dedicated. The rest is eulogistic of his
son and successor, and his new residence.

A very full account having already been given
of John MacCodrum and his poetry in " The Uist
Collection," it is not deemed necessary to give any
lengthened notice of him here.

He was born on the threshold of the 18th century
at Cladh-Chòthain, in Airdarunair, near the old
parish church of Kilmuir, where there was a chapel
dedicated to St Comgan, one of the saints of the
Celtic Calendar, to whom there were also dedications
in other parts of the country. Having been brought
up at Airdarunair, MacCodrum's next place of
abode was Cachalaidh-na-Rèbhil, in Hougharry,
wherehemarried, andwas visited by MacMhaighstir
Alastair. He afterwards lived at Paible, where he
oomposed " Smeorach Chlann Domhnuill." In
1762, he is living at Langash, where the walls of his
house are still to be seen in a good state of preserva-
tion. In 1770 he is living at Eval, and he died at
Airidh-a-phuiII there on the 14th of April, 1779, in
our opinion, the greatest of all the Island bards of
whom there is any record.

CLXXXIV.

Oran Ahabhaig ........ 378

This Ì9 a poetical duel between two clanswomen,
a Macdonald and a Macleod, which ended in a real
fight. The two female controversialists were sitting,
one on each side of the stream flowing into Loch
Snizort, which was the boundary between the pro-
perties of Macdonald of Sleat and Macleod of Dun-
vegan. The scene was at Glenbeg, three or four
miles from the head of the loch, and there they
reviled each other's clan. A male passer-by said,
" An te aig a bheil an fhuil is deirge caitheadh i
smugaid air an te eile." This having been dono,

Ixvi. CONTENTS.

PAOB

Marg&ret leapt across the stream and chastised her
opponent. The song was so exciting that at a time
of harvest at Eboet the rival bands into which the
reapers were divided wounded themselves uncon-
Bciously with their hooks, and had bloody hands at
the close of the day through the singing of it.

CLXXXV.

Oran mu Bhreacan an Fheilidh ..... 381

This poem was composed on the repeal of tho
Diearming Act of 1746, and its interest lies in the
historical occasion which gave rise to it, rather than
in the possession of great poetical merit. The Act
was repealed in 1782, a bill for that purpose having
been introduced and passed on the incentive of the
Marquis of Graham, afterwards Duke of Montrose,
and the Hon. Archibald Campbell Fraser of Lovat.

CLXXXVT.

Do MhacDhomhnuill Ila ..... 385

This poem on the Lord of the Isles, probably
Donald of Harlaw, is from the Dean of Lismore's
Manuscript Collection, and has not hitherto been
published. We have not given a transliteration
of the poem. Gaelic scholars no doubt prefer doing
this for themselves.

CLXXXVII.

UoHDAR DE so Deadhan Chnoideàrt .... 389

These lines on the death of Angus, Master of the
Isles, and Diarmid O'Chairbre, the Irish harper,
who assassinated him in 1490, were reproduced by
us from the Book of Dean of Lismore in our first
volume of the Clan Donald History in 1896. Sinoe
then a careful reading of the original text has shown
that the author was not John of Knoydart, but the
Dean of Knoydart, and other emendations of the
text have been made which rendered advisable th«
printing of the present version.

CONTENTS. IXVÌÌ.

PAOB

CLXXXVIII.

BUAN AN LEUNSA AIR LETH ChUINN .... 390

This is a very old Irish poem from & Clanranald "^

manuscript. It laments the deaths of several per- '

sons in the territory of the race of Conn.

CLXXXIX.

Clarbair MhicDhomhnuill an Eirinn 392

This is a lament by the Harper of Macdonald of
the Isles during a sojourn in Ireland. Like the
Jews of old he hung his harp on the wìIIowb,
refusing to sing any song of gladness or of feasting.
He can only utter lamentations for the departed,
who oould not be roused by harp or song.

CXC.

DlMOLAUH NAM BaN ....... 393

The author of this very old song in dispraise of
women is unknown. It is another instance of an
attitude towards the softer sex common in past
centuries. It is a complaint against female incon-
stancy, the bard adopting as his motto, ex uno disce
omnes, against a woman with two hearts, a heart
holding converse with him, and another injuring
him behind his back, one who is in harmony with
him on Sunday and forsakes him on Monday. The
bard is at one with Hamlet when he said, " Frailty,
thy name is woman." The stanzas contain quaint
figures and forms of expression.

CXCI.

COMUNN NAN GaIDHEAL ...... 396

This is a short poem of high merit, spirited in
Btyle, pure in diction, and patriotic in sentiment. It
describes a gathering of Scotch and Irish Gaels com-
bined with a Welsh contingent. They are gathered
for war, but a war of truth, in which the thistle,
the shamrock, and the leek, the badges of the Scotch
and Irish Gaels and of the Cymric race, are
entwined in unity to represent the Celtic cause.

Ixviii.

CONTENTS.

Tiat

CXCII.
Oban nan Lotaichean ....... 397

Donald MacRury, Torlum, Benbecula, the
author of this bong, was born in 1818, and was a
bard of considerable local repute. He composed
several songs, all of which are excellent in their way.
Of thefie, " Oran nam Fasan," and " Oran na
h-Inghinn," were published in Sinclair's " Oran-
aiche " in 1879. He was an amiable, good man,
and was highly respected by all who knew him. He
died in 1903. This poem is a satire upon a certain
development of estate management on the Long
Island estate of Lady Gordon Cathcart, involving
schemes and innovations which, however well-
intentioned, did not meet with the approval of the
crofting population. In 1882 the outrun, or cul-
cinn, being pendicles of several crofter townships in
Benbecula, was divided among the cottar population
and converted into small holdings, or allotments.
The following year eeveral farailies emigrated to
Manitoba.

CXCIII.

Oran a Bhata air Cuan-an-iar Uidhist 400

The author of this song is Angus Campbell, Am
Bard Sgallach, who describes the perils of boating
on the west coast of Uist among the great Atlantic
roUers. When the sea arose, the crew gave them-
selves up for lost. The Breabadair Ban called upon
the rest to provide for their salvation by forgiving
their enemies, and making other pious resolutions,
he himself giving the horse he had for leading peats,
to the poor. Donald Ard announce^ his intention of
feeding the poor : but Alexander Morrison, being
the practical genius, worked out his and their salva-
tion by baling, and so successfuUy that the braye
boat got eventually to land.

CONTENTS. IxÌX.

PAOR

CXCIV.

Oran Clachan Lionacleit ...... 403

This song is by the same author, and was compoeed
in the early part of last century, when the new
clachan at Linaclet was built by MacVarish, a man
from Arisaig. It is a eulogy on the builder, whose
achievements were, in the estimation of the bard,
worthy of Royal recognition. Ajyropos of the refer-
ence to the young proprietor of South Uist, it is
stated in a letter of the year 1811 that " Macdonald
of Clanranald is a great beau in the fashionable
world, much in request because of his dancing."

cxcv.

DuAN Calluig ........ 405

This Hogmanay rhyme was composed by Hector
Macleod, the South Uist Bard. Hardly anything
is known of the personal history of this bard, either
in his native Uist, or elsewhere. According to Mac-
kenzie of " The Beauties of Gaelic Poetry," he left
Uist about the time of the '45, and lived on the
mainland estate of Clanranald. Only three of his
songs have been published. One appeared in the
Collection of 1780. This and the other two appeared
both in the Collection of Gillies in 1786 and in that
of the Stewarts in 1804. Mackenzie appropriated
these and extended them into four. Judged by
these specimens of his bardic powers, we have uo
hesitation in putting Macleod in the very front rank
of Highland bards. His " Moladh do Choilleach
Smeoraich " is, we think, unsurpassed by any
BÌmilar composition in the Gaelic language.

CXCVI.
Tri Duain Calluig 406

The custom of " dol air Challuig," as it is
called, is an old one, and is still kept up to some
extent in the Western Isles. Hogmanay is Oidhcht
Challuinn, or as it is sometimes called, Oidhche
na'm Bannag — the night of the bannocks. Calluinn

Ixi. C0NTENT8.

PAGt

is no doubt derived from the Latin — Calendct
Januarm — but it is otherwise explained by the word
" callan," signifying the noise raade by the young
men on Hogmanay night. Of old they used to go
round the houses, one of them covered with a cow's
hide hardened, while the rest beat it with sticks and
shouted the while. It was the custom for young
men, now relegated to boys, to go equipped with a
duan, or rhyme, suitable to the occasion, which they
repeated at the door of every house they came to.
The response was in the form of a bannock s}>€cially
prepared, and, in Uist, always made of barley meal,
but in the houses of well-to-do people, butter and
cheese were added. In earlier times married men
joined in the rush for bannocks, as appears from the
duan by Hector Macleod. A local rhymster was
employed to compose a rhyme suitable to the place
and people, and at the entertainment which fol-
lowed something more potent than the ordinary fare
was added — even the dew of Ferintosh.

CXCVII.

AOIR NA LUCHANN ....... 407

This is a malediction on a mouse, which with
other mice had effectually threshed the barley of a
certain member of the masonic craft. His wife fell
on the device of disposing of the mouse by driving a
red-hot poker through it, but alas ! she drove it
through her husband's hand instead, and there fol-
lowed very strong language.

CXCVIII.
EoLXJs A Bheum-Shula ...... 408

This is a charm for curing the evil eye. An
"evil eye " is the symbol of a mean and enviou»
disposition, and is so used in Scripture. " Na laith
mo shuil ort, " is a f requent expression in the Long
Island, meaning, " May my eye not light on you
enviously." When an evil disposed person lets his
eye rest enviously on his neighbour's horse, or cow,

CONTENTS. Ixxi.

PAGt

the animal turns sick. To cure the effect of th«
©vil eye, a tnàile, or thread, is made and put on the
animal, and in the act of doing so the rhyme is
repeated.

CXCIX.
Rann Maistridh 408

This is a churn-rhyme, repeated while the chum-
ing is going on to make the butter come. According
to this rhyme, the Virgin herself had done the
churning.

LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS

Macdonald of tlie Isles, Bart., Sir Alexander, Thorpe HaJl,

Bridlington, Yorkshire.
Aberdeen University Library, per P. J. Anderson, Librarian.
Baillie of Dochfour, J. E. B.
Baiu, Rev. Alex., U.F. Manse, Kingussie.
Beaton, D., H.M.I.S., Inverness.
Beveridge of Vallay, Dr Erskine, St Leonard's Hill, Dun-

fermline.
Barrett, F. T., The Mitchell Library, Glasgow.
Brown, W., Bookseller, Castle Street, Edinburgh (for John

MacConnell).
Bain, J., Public Library, Toronto.
Bute, The Marquis of , Mount Stuart, Rothesay.
Boyd, Rev. Alex., The Manse, South Uist.
Cameron, Donald W., of Lochiel, Achnacarry Castle.
Campbell, Lord Archibald, Inverary Castle, Argyll.
Campbell, Rev. Archibald, The Manse, Lairg.
Chisholm of Chisholm, Miss, Erchless Castle.
Calder, Rev. George, The Manse, Strathfillan.
Calder, Rev. R. H., The Manse, Glenlivet.
Cameron, Major, Cuidrach, Skye.
Cameron, Rev. Duncan, The Manse, Bridge of Allan.
Douglas & Fowlis, Booksellers, 9 Castle Street, Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Public Library, per Dr Hew Morrison.
Edinburgh, The University, per Librarian.
Fraser, Rev. J., U.F. Manse, KiUarow, Isla.
Fraser, Rev. Alex., The Manse, Small Isles.
Fraser, Donald, London, Ontario.
Fraser, John, Inspector of Poor, KiUeaman.
Grant, J. P., of Rothiemurchus.
Head of Inverailort, Mrs Cameron, 40 Lowndes Square,

London, S.W.
Henderson, Rev. George, The Manse, Edrachillis (2 copiee).
Lamont, Rev. Donald, The Manse, Blair-Atholl.
Macdonald, Allan, LL.D., Glenarm, County Antrim.

\xxiv. LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.

Macdonald, Ronald, Solicitor, Portree.

Macdonald of Dunach, H. L., Oban.

Macdonald, Ranald, Chiromo, Central Africa.

Macdonald, Rev. D. J., The Manse, Killean, Kintyre.

Macdonald, Rev. D., Baleloch, North Uiet.

Macdonald of Skeabost, L., Portree, Skye.

Macdonald, Peter, 4 Carlton Place, Glasgow.

Macdonald, Alex., H.M.I.S., Ashfield, Inverness.

Macdonald, Rev. Father, Fort-Augustus.

Macdonald, Miss E., Blacksburg, Virginia, U.S.A.

Macdonald, D. D., Drumnadrochit Hotel, Glen-Urquhart (2 cojiies).

Macdonald, W. Rae, 4 Wester Coates Avenue, Edinburgh.

Macdonald, James, W.S., 27 Heriot Row, Edinburgh.

Macdonald, Andrew, Sheriff Clerk of Inverness-shire.

Macdonald, Dr Duncan, Oban.

Macdonald, Farquhar, Rector, Dingwall Academy.

Macdonald, Rev. Alex., Napanee, Canada.

Macdonald, T. D., Secy. Com. Gaidhealach, 108 Hope Street,

Glasgow.
Macdonald of Waternish, Captain Allan R., Portree.
Macdonald, Rev. C, The Manse, Rogart.
Macdonald, Rev. D. A., U.F. Manse, Kilmuir, Skye.
Macdonald, Rev. Norman C, U.F. Manse, Plockton.
Macdonald, Dr, Kilmichael, Glen-Urquhart.
Macdonald, Rev. J. Duff, The Manse, Durness.
Macdonell, Rev. Andw., StBenedict's Abbey, Fort-Augustus.
MacGilchrist, Rev. John, West St Giles, Edinburgh.
MacGrath, D., Beauly.

Maclnnes, Lt.-Col. J., 2 Hayburn Crescent, Partick.
Maclnnes, M., The Hotel, Broadford, Skye.
Mackay, WiIIiam, Solicitor, Inverness.
Mackay, Rev. Norman D., The Manse, Nigg.
Mackay, Rev. A., Westerdale Manse, Sutherlandshire.
Mackay, Rev. George, The Manse, Killin.
MacEchern, Rev. D., The Manse, Bower.
Macfarlane, Rev. D., The Manse, Kingussie.
Macfarlane, Rev. W. A., The Manse, Dull.
Mackenzie, Hector, Factor, Balelone, North Uist.
Mackenzie, WiIIiam, Procurator-Fiscal, Dingwall.
Mackenzie, Colonel Stewart, of Seaforth, Brahan Castle.
Mackenzie of Gairloch, Sir Kenneth, Bart., 10 Moray Place,

Edinburgh.

LIST OP SUBSCniBERS. IxiT.

Mackenzie, Osgood H., of Inverewe.

Mackenzie, William, Crofters Commission, 3 Parliament

Square, Edinburgh.
Mackenzie, John, Factor, Dunvegan.
Macaulay, Alfred N., Solicitor, Golspie.
MacGillivray, Dr Angus, 23 South Tay Street, Dundee.
Mackinnon, Rev. L., The Manse, Barvas.
Maclean, William, Talisker, Skye.
Maclean, Rev. Donald, F.C. Manse, St Columba, 1 Rillbank

Crescent, Edinburgh.
Maclean, Rev. A. C, The Manse, Contin.
Maclean, Rev. K. S., U.F. Manse, Chapelhill, Nigg.
Maclean of Gometra, Roderick, Ulva Ferry, MuU.
Maclean, Rev. K., The Manse, Ardrishaig.
MacLaverty, Rev. A., Llangattock Manor, Monmouth.
Maclehose & Sons, J., Booksellers, St Vincent Street, Glasgow

(f or Glasgow University Library) .
Maclennan, Rev. D. S., The Manse, Laggan.
Maclennan, Lieut. John, 26 Arden Street, Edinburgh.
Macleod, Rev. D., The Manse, Tarbat, Portmahomack.
Macleod, Dr Kenneth, Duncaple, Hants.
Macleod of Macleod, Dunvegan Castle.

Macleod of Macleod, Rev. R. C, Mitford Vicarage, Morpeth.
Macleod, Rev. Donald, Minister of High Church, Inverness.
MacNaught, Rev. J. C, The Manse, Lochluichart.
Macpherson-Grant of Ballindalloch, Bart., Sir John, Ballin-

dalloch Castle.
Macpherson, Allan, Wine Merchant, Elderslie St., Glasgow
Macpherson, Lachlan, Elderslie Street, Glasgow.
Macphail, Rev. William, The Manse, Kilbrandon.
MacGillivray, Rev. D., The Manse, Petty.
MacPhee, D., F.E.I.S., Cumbernauld.
Mackintosh of Mackintosh, Moyhall.
Macvicar, Rev. A. J., The Manse, Southend, Kintyre.
Morrison, Rev. A. J., The Manse, Moy.
Morrison, Dr, Kinloid, Larkhall.
Morrison, D. C, Johannesburg.
Morrison, Peter, Edinburgh.
Morrison, Dr Hew, Public Library, Edinburgh.
Menzies, Archibald, S.S.C, 22 Rutlaud Street, Edinburgh.
Millar, Miss Janetta Macdonald, Courthill, Hermitage Gar-

dens, Morningside, Edinburgh.

IxiVÌ. LIST OF SUBSCRIBEBS.

Munro, Rev. D., F.C. Manse, Ferintoah,

Munro, Rev. G. M., TheManse, Insh, Kincraig.

Murray, Donald, National Liberal Club, London.

Napier, Theodore, Balmanno, 7 West Castle St., Edinburgh.

Rankin, Rev. E. A., The Manse, Kilmorack.

Ritchie, Rev. R. L., The Manse, Creich.

Robertson, J. L., H.M.I.S., Inverness.

Robertson, Rev. D. J., The Manse, Jura.

Russell, Very Rev. Dr J. C, 9 Coates Gardens, Edinburgh (2

copies).
Stuart of Dalness, Mrs Macdonald, Taynuilt, Argyllshire.
Sinclair, Rev. Alux. Maclean, Hopewell, Nova Scotia.
Shaw-Stewart, Miss Katharine, Carnock House, Stirlingshire.
Stirling of Keir, The Hon. Mrs.
Shaw, Duncan, W.S., St Aubyn's, Inverness.
Shaw, Major J. T., Gordonbush, Sutherlandshire.
Stuart, Rev. Alex., The Manse, Daviot.
Stewart, Rev. John, The Manse, Snizort.
Simpson, Rev. William, The Manse, Fortrose.
Ross, Rev. Neil, The Manse, St James's, Kirkcaldy.
Somerset, The Duchess, Maiden Bradley, Bath.
Tolmie, Rev. A. M. C. Tolmie, Southend fdeceased).
Tolmie, Miss F., 32 Merchiston Crescent, Edinburgh.
Watson, Dr W. J., Rector, Edinburgh High School.
Yule, Miss, Tarradale House, Muir of Ord (3 copies).

INTRODUCTION

LiKE some other modern books, this volume derives ita title
from a part of its contents, that is, from those poems which
were the composition of Macdonald bards, or were composed
to the Clan or its outstanding personalities. This, of course,
only accounts for a fraction, though an important one, of the
contents. The bulk of the poems have not hitherto been in
print, and where this is not strictly the case, versions of poems
have been given either with the view of furnishing an
improved text, or a variant which, though not fuller, might
contain a different reading. Except for one or other of these
ends, this is not believed to have been, to any great extent,
anticipated by previous collections.

The poems have thus, on the whole, been derived either
from MS. or traditional sources. Single poems in MS. or MS.
collections may have come into that form in two ways. If
composed by literary authors like the Mac Vurichs, or
collected by individuals like the Dean of Lismore, they
were committed to writing, and we can rely upon the
purity of the text. If taken down in modern times
from oral tradition, the text of the older poems depends
upon the reciters through whom they have come down
to us across the ages. In this way many of the pieces have
Buffered and been transmitted in a more or less imperfect and
inoomplete state. Every ballad existing in the popular
memory takes the complexion of the period through which it
has lived, just as the stream takes the colour of the different
soils through which it has flowed. One way of illustrating this
would be to compaxe an old version of, for example, the Lay
of Fraoch, such as we have in the Dean of Lismore's bcok,
and the versions that have come into existence at various
periods up to about 50 years ago. Any one who takes the
trouble to do this will observe that the more modern
versions owe their form to the originality as much as to the
memory of reciters, who at different times modified and added
to the original.

IxiVÌÌÌ. INTRODUCTION.

There is no doubt that, during the 16th and 17th
centuries, a great mass of traditioinal poetry which has been
lost was afloat among the Gaelic people of Scotland. Their
minds by all accounts were full of it. Christianity as a
eystem of faith and morals had a very slight hold of them,
not only before, but long after the Reformation. The
evidence of Bishop Carswell when preparing that noble
monument of well-directed zeal — his Gaelic translation of
Knox's Liturgy — was that the people's thoughts were steeped
in the Tales of the Tuatha de Danaan, the Sons of Milesius
and the Fingalian Saga, and even at a later age the pictures
— vague and intermittent — that we have of the social life of
the people suggest the idea of a very partial advance out of
a Pagan type of thought and culture. The old traditionary
folklore, which included a large poetical element, was the
dominant feature of their mental life. What might have
been a great literature has undoubtedly been lost.

Though the bulk of the Gaelic poetry that has survived
has been traditionally preserved, something is due to writing.
The bards of old, when the bardic system was still in vogue,
did commit their own compositions, and those of others, to
writing. This was the case with such an hereditary school of
bards as the Mac Vurichs. The knowledge of letters had never
died out among the native Gaelic population. Such a com-
position as " Brosmichadh Catha," by Mac Vurich, a type
probably of many similar prodnctions, could scarcely have
been transmitted without the aid of writing, and it
undoubtedly was written before it was recited at Harlaw.
Mac Nicol of Lismore saw a very old copy of it written in the
Gaelic character, and in the possession of Macintyre of
Glenoe. Its literary fìnish and arrangement, according to
the letters of the alphabet, are sufficient evidence that it could
not have been composed on the spur of the moment. Carswell,
in his epistle Dedicatory to his translation of Knox's Liturgy,
bears witness to the knowledge of letters among the Scottish
Gael of his time. Though there was little English education
in the Highlands at the period of the Reformation and for a
hundred years thereafter, except among the clergy, we are not
to conclude that the Highlanders were entirely destitute of a
knowledge of letters. In the charter cheste of Clanranald and
Macleod there are several documents of the 17th and 18th

INTRODUCTION. IxXÌX,

oenturies bearing the signatures of tacksmen and others
wTÌtten in the Gaelic charact«r. Sir Rory Macleod of
Dunvegan, who died in 1626, never signs his name except in
the Gaelic character. It may also be said in passing that
many who might be called illiterate in the sense of being able
neither to read or write, had educated and well stored minds,
with a knowledge of the great facts of history, both in ancient
and modern times, even to the extent of classical lore.
Evidence of this is to be found, among others, in the com-
positions of John MacCodrum, the North Uist bard, who
could neither read nor write.

The eighteen barons of the Isles who signed the Commission
from Donald Dubh to treat with the King of England in
1545, with their " hands at the pen," have often been cit^d
as evidence of the illiteracy of the period. Even supposing
their inability to write, which is by no means certain, it does
not follow that they were entirely ignorant of letters. It is
more than probable that they could read their own native
literature, of which there must have been a much greater
abundance than we are apt to suppose. The publication of
Carswell's Liturgy would have been a work of supererogation
if there had been no Gaelic readers in the Highlands, for the
book was int«nded to be put into the hands of worshippers in
every parish where Gaelic was the vernacular.

Though rauch Gaelic poetry must have been preserved in
writing, and thus transmitted through the ages, yet much the
greater part of the compositions in our volume have been
handed down orally, and have depended entirely on memory.
Comparatively few of the compositions of the family bards
have survived. The fireside customs of the people were the
chief machinery of preservation. At a time when a knowledge
of letters was confined to the learned few, the intellectual
recreations of the common people lay in listening to the local
seanachie repeating the rhymes of bygone days, lays of
doughty deeds, and folklore tales, the dehris of an old
mythology.

It would be an interesting study to compare the literewy
evolution of the Gael in Scotland and in Ireland, and how
this was affected by the facts of their history from the begin-
ning — let us say — of the 14th century. Scotland was never
conquered in the military or political sense. Ireland wat

lizx.

INTBODUCTION.

oonquered. Yet in the inLer life of these nations, as regards
their racial character, Ireland, more than Scotland, resisted
the impact of foreign influence, and retained it« national lif^'
and character.

One cause that gave a set back to Qaelic culture in
Scotland was the fall of the Lordship of the Isles, which had
always been a great rallying centre of Gaelic custom and
tradition. With this catastrophe Lowland and Saxon
influence became more and more the dominating power in
Scotland. Another cause of this difference in the ideal evolu-
tion of the two nations was the Reformation. Setting aside
theological considerations, the continuance of the old ecclesias-
tical framework maintained the cohesion of the Irish national
life and character, and helped to preserve and keep within the
country the rich stores of its literature. The ecclesiastical
revolution in Sootland would obviously have the opposite
tendency of scattering such literary reeources as Gaelic Scot-
land posseesed. In one respect the literary histories of
Ireland and Scottish Gaeldom run nearly parallel ; in the
former case neglect, and in the latter hostility by the govern-
ing power having the same effect. Writing on this very point,
Dr Douglas Hyde says: " As it is, the language has not
reoeived a trace of fair play, not having been spoken in law
courts, camps, or-colleges since the first half of the seventeenth
century, up to which time it had been cultivated with mor©
aesiduity than almost any other European tongue, and wa«
quite able to hold its own with any language in the world."
If in Ireland the cause of literary decay was neglect, in Scot-
land it was undisguised hostility. The Gaelic language was
regarded as " One of the cheiff and principall causes of the
continuance of barbaritie and incivilitie among the inhabi-
tants of the Isles and Highlands." That policy has been
pursued by Government down to recent times, so that, as in
Ireland, the language had no chance of adapting itself to the
rapidly increasing requirements of modern civilization.
Special hostility was displayed towards the family bards, and
that long before the close of the 16th century. The political
powers frowned upon the bard, and he was brought under the
ban of Parliament; express statutes were passed against his
class and for their suppression. They were claased with
" Bornars, maisterfull beggars, and frenieit fulys," and

INTRODUCTION. lllli.

ord«r«d to condign punishment. Two of the unfortunate
fraternity were hanged as late as 1579. The chiefs were
forbidden to encourage them, and they themselves were
threatened with the punishment of the stocks and banishment.
They must at this time have been a considerable and influential
class. According to Buchanan, they were held in high honour.
They upheld the Gaelic language and Gaelic customs, which
the Government of the Scottish Solomon had made many
abortive attempts to suppress. The bards, as professional
family functionaries, finally disappeared, not because of the
legislative enactments of the Scottish Government, but because
those who maintained and patronised them learned other
ways. When the family bard disappeared, Gaelic song was
thrown upon the waters, to be driven by the winds and tide
whither they would.

The family bard had inherited much from the old Gaelic
culture under the Lords of the Isles. lona, Ardchattan,
Saddell, Orinsay, Carinish in Uist, and Rodil in Harris, were
all centres of Gaelic learning and culture. The libraries of
these colleges have almost all disappeared. The only Gaelic
document directly traceable to the Lords of the Isles them-
selves is the Charter of Donald of Harlaw to Brian Vicar
Mackay of the Rhinns of Isla, granted in 1408. Bishop
Carswell mentions the existence of Gaelic MS. poems of the
ancient bards from remote periods, and the MS. books of the
chief bards, " fileadh agus Ollamhan." We conclude there-
fore that the writing and recitation of poems in the schools of
the bards, not only aided the cultivation of Gaelic poetry
generally, but also the transmission of pieces which would have
been otherwise lost. It was in this way that Ossianic poetry
was preserved. The bardic schools of Ireland, between which
and those of Scotland there was a close connection during the
Gaelic supremacy in the Highlands and Islands, helped to keep
the lamp of Gaelic learning aglow for centuries, and traces of
their influence are clearly discernible in the poetry of the
Highlands prior to the 17th century. The MacVurich family,
formerly bards and seanachies to the Lords of the Isles, and
latterly to the Clanranald family, are an example of the
professional bards, and what remains of their writings may he
taken as specim.ens of the compositions of the bardic schools.
Several of the poems in our collection are from the Mac Vurich

IXXXÌÌ. INTRODUCTION.

MSS. " Siol Cholla " and " Buan an leunsa air leth f •'^1«
Chuinn " are early specimens of their compositions when they
were still bards of the Lords of the Isles. Many of the Mac
Vurich MS8. were extant in the latter half of the 18th
century, and some of these were exhibited in Edinburgh at
that time. Ranald Macdonald, son of Mac Mhr. Alastair,
editor of the collection of Gaelic poetry that bears his name,
received theee from Neil Mac Vurich, and Mac Nicol of Lis-
more declares that he himself had seen more than a thousand
pages of these MSS., and that they were but a small portion
of what remained with the bard at Stilligarry. Among the
witnesses to the charter by Angus, Master of the Isles, to the
Abbey of lona in 1485, given in " Clan Donald," Vol. II.,
is Lachlan Mac Vurich, who is designated " Archi-poeta. "
The inference is that Mac Vurich was the head of a school or
college of bards. The charter itself was evidently written
by him, for although the language is Latin, many of the
letters are in the Irish character, and the handwriting
throughout, which is very beautiful, is that of one accustomed
to write in that character, and not in the chartèr hand of the
period. The name " Lacclano McMurghaich," in the body
of the charter, is written in the Irish character, which an
ordinary scribe unaccustomed to the use of that script would
not have used.

A considerable body of Gaelic poetry has been preserved
in MS. collections, many of which are now deposited in the
Advocates' Library in Edinburgh. Among these are many of
the MacVurich MSS., and the Dean of Lismore's Collection,
begun in 1512, portions of which may have been copied from
earlier collections. In the library of the University of
Glasgow are preserved the Fernaig and MacLagan Collections,
and there are collections in private hands. Mac Nicol,
writing in the latter half of the 18th century, refers to large
collections in the hands of gentlemen of his acquaintance in
the Highlands, among which were compositione of a very old
date. The fìrst collection of Gaelic songs printed was that of
Alexander Macdonald, published in 1751. Then follows the
collection of Ranald, his son, which contains many old pieces
from various sources, published in 1776. There still remained
a large oollection of Gaelic poetry, which he intended pub-
lishing in a second volume, but for some reason or other tbe

INTKODUCTION. Ixxiiii.

volum© never app^eared. Affcer his volume we have a stream
of collections, which has continued to flow down to our own
time. Notwithstanding this activity in pubiishing, much still
remains unpublished, oral and written, of which this Collec-
tion is but a portion.

As regards the contents of Ihe various collections, though
much of the poetry is of a high order, there is a considerable
amount of dross. The whole of them, with one notable
exception, are edited with little or no regard to the nature of
their contents. Their editors printed the various poems as
they came into their possession, without note or comment of
any kind, and thus the names of the authors of many of the
songs, better known to them than to us, have been forgotten
or left to be guessed. It is much to be regretted that these
editors — some of whom at least were quite competent for
the task — should not have risen to the height of their under-
taking, and that in consequence much valuable information
in regard to the authors and their productions should have
been lost for ever. The exception to these, to which reference
has been made, is Mackenzie's " Beauties of Gaelic Poetry,"
published in 1841.* Yet in this coilection there are only
eight items which had not appeared in previous compilations.
Its value consists in the biographical sketches of the bards,
which were not written by Mackenzie, and the notes inter-
spersed throughout the volume. In questions of fact and
history, however, Mackenzie's book is an unsafe guide, and
later writers who have adopted his statements without
question have fallen into unfortunate mistakes. Nor are his
critical opinions unimpeachable.

The character of the contents of the present Collection
differs in many respects from that of any of its predecessors.
It contains part cf the poetical heritage of upwards of 400
years, though it is not always poesible to give the date of
composition. The poems contained in the earlier portion of
the volume, and which are the work of the professional bards,
bear to some extent a stamp of literary formalism which at
oertain periods becomes a characteristic of every literature,
and which at one time prevailed in the literary schools of
Scotland and Ireland. Such a type of literary composition
was bound to arise at times when the offioe of the bard was

* Such & recent work as " Modern Gaelic Bards " does not come
undcr our purview.

IxXXÌV. INTRODtJCTlON.

hereditary, and its holder had to be manufactured on the
principle of the adage reversed, poeta fil uon nascitur. This
is not to say, though it has been suggested, that all the poetry
of the 16th and 17th centuries, with a few exceptions, was in
bondage to formalism, and that it was only after the '45 that
the Gaelic muse really found its wings. This is only a partial
truth. Sweeping generalizations on such a subject are
unsafe, and are at variance with the law of literary evolution.
Side by side with manufactured poetry, of which certainly
there was a fair amount, there was always poetry of the
spontaneous kind " warbling its native wood-notes wild."
The third poem in this volume, in praise of the Macdonalds,
is a noble and stately eulogy and a true classic, and we cannot
but believe that there were many lyrics of the 16th century
that had the soul of poetry, but that breathed themselves into
oblivion. The hostility of the Scottish Government to the
language and literature of the people did n<Jt encourage
Buccessors to the Dean of Lismore to rescue these from a
gradual passage into Lethe.

There is no doubt that, as in Ireland, so also in Scottish
Gaeldom, a great change took place in the technique of the
poetic art. The peculiarities of the old bardic system, which
had 80 long been in vogue, began to be discarded. Con-
Bonantal gave way to vowel rhyme, and a certain number of
accents in each line took the place of a certain number of
syllables. Dr Douglas Hyde says that this change took place
in Ireland at the beginning of the 17th century. In Scotland
the change was more gradual. Indeed it is not safe to draw
a hard and fast chronological line between the two styles of
versifìcation. As a matter of fact, the vowel system began to
appear in Scotland long before the 17th century. Yet the
principle is a good one for helping to differentiate between
the older and the newer styles, and it may fairly be admitted
that the rhythm and music of the new system has had an
immense advantage Ì7i popularising the products of the Gaelic
muse.

It Ì9 when we pass from the works of the professional bardi
to a consideration of those popular lyrics which have been the
spontaneous outcome of the genius of the race, that we realise
the true character of Gaelic poetry. We do not underestimate
the value of the work of the professional bards, but it had its

INTRODUCTION. hxiV.

defects, and often bore a conventional stamp before the freer
breath of the modern spirit began to blow upon it. Many
8ong8 by iinknown bards are contained in this volume, and
they testify to the natural genius of the people for pouring
out their

" full heart
In profuse strains of unpremeditated art."

The majority of them possess very considerable merit. Like
the poetry of Greece at its best, the poetry of the Highlands
was as a rule composed, not for recitation, but to be sung, and
there is no denying that the beautiful airs to which many of
these songs are set have helped to perpetuate them. Other-
wise, many that survive would have perished. They were the
utterance of singers who were moved by their surroundings,
describing the every-day life of the people, singers of the joys,
Borrows, and aspirations common to all, and revealing the
fK>etry that lies in ordinary, every-day life. They hold the
mirror up to nature. Poetry has been called " a musical
thought," spoken by a mind that has penetrated into the
heart of things and caught the undertone of harmony — and
this is a true description of Gaelic poetry at its best. Besides
the poems in our Collection which we deem of high literary
merit, there are others which we deem worthy of preservation,
not so much for their poetical qualities, as because they form
a species of folk-lore, and as songs and ballads that have been
the familiar entertainment of our Island people for a long
period of years. Among the Macdonald bards whose com-
poeitions are given here may be mentioned John Lom
Macdonald, the well-known Keppoch bard, several of whose
poems are now published for the fìrst time. The other
Macdonald bards whose compositions appear for the first time
are John Macdoiiaìd (lain Dubh Mac lain 'ic Ailein), Archi-
bald Macdonald of Keppoch, Silis Macdonald of Keppoch,
Angus Macdonald (Mac Alastair Ruaidh), Archibald Mac-
donald (Gille na Ciotaig). There are also fragm^ents by
Donald Macdonald (Mac lain 'ic Sheumais), the heroic leader
of the Clann Uisdein. The Mac Vurich family are also repre-
sented, while several of the compositions of John MacCodrum,
the North Uist bard, appear for' the first time. It is likewise
interesting to note that at least one song by the distinguished
Harris poetess, Mary Macleod, appears in full for the first
tùne.

Ixxxvi.

INTRODUCTION.

The Jacobite poetry, of which there is a large quantity in
the literature of the Highlands, has been already almost all
gathered in, but in a field so wide, some may still be gleaned
by the diligent reaper. The struggles of the Stuart Kings f or
place and power evoked the enthusiasm and loyalty of the
people of the Highlands in a manner more marked than in any
other portion of their dominions, and this is reflected in their
poetry. The Jacobite poeti-y of the Highlands, which i»
mainly lyric, is by no means confined to the romantic episode
of the '45, as is coramouly supposed.' Taking the word
Jacobite in its ordinary sense, it goes back to the Eevolution ;
extending its meaning so as to include the Stuart struggles
earlier in the 17th century, it goes back 100 years before
Culloden, and is enshrined in the loftiest strains of many
Highland bards. The campaign of Montrose and his heroic
lieutenant, Alastair Mac Colla, roused the first echo of the
Highland heart, and a stream of Gaelic song rose among the
Highland hills which has sinoe broadened into a mighty river.
To John Lom Macdonald the honour undooibtedly belongs of
being the first Jacobite bard in the freer use of the term.
Beginning with him, and covering the entire range of the
period in question, the Jacobite songs in this Collection, of
which there are many, are an interesting and valuable addition
to the heritage of the past.

The character of the contents of the volume, as regards the
subject matter of the poems, difPers in some reepects from that
of the larger collections already published. They may be
classified generally as elegies, eulogies, waulking-songs, songs
of love and sentiment, humorous and satirical, convivial,
patriotic, and fairy songs, and lullabies. There has never
before been so large a collection of waulking-songs (orain
luaidh) brought together as there are here published, only a
few specimens of this class of compositions having been
hitherto printed. Those given here are of various kinds, most
of them old and of much merit. Almost the whole of them
have been collected in Uist, where they are still sung round
the waulking-board. They are almost, if not entirely, extem-
poraneous effusions, oomposed by the women while engaged in
fuìiing or thickening tht cloth, a verse being added by one
here and there, round the waulking-board as the spirit moved
them. This happens only occasionally now-a-days, as there

INTRODUCTION. IxiXVÌÌ.

»re many songs so complete and of sufficient length that they
need nothing added to them. There is no doiibt that raany
songs were oomposed in this manner, receiving additions with
the lapse of time. While one woman, usually one of the best
songsters, repeated the verses, which are generally couplets,
sometimes merely one line, all took up the chorus with great
spirit. As regards the matter of these songs, they are for the
most part amatory, composed in a highly eulogistic strain.
Sometimes it is the rehearsal of the deeds of some hero of the
past, or some prominent person then living is the theme, inter-
spersed at times with local politics, and the language used is
occasionally quaint and picturesque. These songs are well
worthy of preservation, as they present a phase of life now
fast passing away. Owing to the circumstances of their origin
they are sometimes lacking in unity and coherence.

Love-songs form a considerable class in this Collection, as
they do in almost all modern collections of Gaelic poetry. It
would be interesting to enquire, did space permit, what place
amatory verses had in the older cycles of Gaelic poetry. In
view of the wealth of tenderness inherent in the Gaelic
character, and its illustration in the literary products of the
last two centuries, it would be rash to suggest that the love
lyric had an unimportant place in the ancient poetry of the
Gaelic race. Yet it must be admitted that in the MS. collec-
tions of the 16th and 17th centuries, or in what has in any
form survived of the poetical literature of these times, very
little of this type is extant. On the other hand, the Dean of
Lismore's book contains six satires on women, while two or
three of the most obviously old pieces in the present Collection
hold up the female sex to obloquy for infidelity and a perverse
mind. That extraordinary prose satire on women, Cormac's
advice to his son on the choice of a wife, of which there are
two versions in the Maclagan MSS., illustrates an attitude of
mind apparently not uncommon in olden times. The elimina-
tion of the unfit is a terrible verbal exercise. The description
of the " Annir uchd-gheal " is apparently very old, but it Ì8
art, not love, that it illustrates. The subject does not seem
to have come within the range of themes of which the pro-
fessional bards were wont to sing. Even in the middle and
second half of the 18th century, when a new inspiration
visited Gaelic literature, such typical bards as John

IXXXVÌÌÌ. INTRODUCTION.

MacCodrum and Archibald Macdonald eschewed the tender
passion in their lays. Whatever may have been the case in
former centuries, whether the love lyric was tabooed by the
professional bards, and those that sprang from the people's
hearts have perished through the lapse of time and the want
of record, we cannot say, but undoubtedly the last two
centuries have witnessed a great welling up of the poetry of
nature, and particularly of the love lyric, from the depths of
Gaelic emotion.

Taking this class of poems in our Collection, they as a rule
reflect much credit upon the natural gifts of their authors.
The language is chaste and eloquent, breathing a pure poetic
spirit, manifesting — after the manner of all Celtic literature —
great sensitiveness to beauty of form and colour. Viewing
them critically, as well as with appreciation, they sometimea
possess the faults of their qualities. Gaelic literature, owing
to its fondness for the finished and the artistic, is apt to revel
in the stereotyped, and Gaelic poems have an occasional
tendency towards familiar forms of expression, and conse-
quently the repetition of well-known phrases, combined with a
somewhat too free use of hyperbole, of which the Gaelic muse
Ì8 fond. The coraplexion, the teeth, the hair of the loved one
excel in purity and beauty the peerless tints of nature. Scott
tells us of the Lady of the Lake that —

" Even the hare-bell raised its head
Elastic from her fairy tread,"

and it is hard to say how many unlettered sons of Gaelic song
have played with the same or a similar fìgure, from
Donnachadh Ban onwards. But these are slight limitations
in an art which is instinctive, delicate, and pure, acquired in
the school of nature — an art so common among aJl ranks of
the Gaelic people that Parnassus might be located in every
Highland district.

Eulogistic and elegiac poems form a large element in Gaelic
verse. There is a considerable numbcr in this Collection,
covering a period of several hundred years, and presenting
various phases of social life in the Highlands. It ìb
characteristic of the Gaelic race that this class of poetry should
abound. The prowess and force of the individuaJ were a
great asset in the protection of the Celtic system, as well as

INTRODUCTION. IxXXÌX.

of other ancient forms of social polity. The Iliad is to a large
extent a s^ries of eulogies on the warriors whose single com-
bats deterinined the great battles around the walls of Troy.
So, too, the men of war and prowess were those whom the
bards delighted to honour while they lived, and whose great-
ness they celebrated in the marbhrann, or death-song, when
they passed away. The eulogies in this volume are, as a
whole, on a high level. Some are by well-known authors, but
some of the finest are the composition of bards who have
" blushed unseen."

The elegiac poetry of the Highlands, however fine much
of it is, has possibly been overdone. This feature ha«
probably arisen from a racial tendency. The doctrine of
" Celtic gloom " is one that is subject to many qualifications,
and so far as it is true, its justification lies in the Celtic out-
look. The renith of Celtic power and sway, its golden age,
when it exercised a vast supremacy, all this was in the far
paat, and much of the poetic tendency of the race was a
brooding over the vanished glory, and a oontinual struggle
with the forces of an alien culture hemming it in with relent-
less force. On such an intellectual soil the elegy was bound
to grow, perhaps to excessive proportions.

That which has given rise to this conception of " Celtic
gloom " is a racial tenderness, or impressibility, or capacity
for emotion which renders the Gael susceptible to joy as well
as to fiorrow, sensitive to the humorous as well as to the
pathetic aspect of life. The same remark, however, applies
here as to the love-songs. Humour has developed in the later
rather than in the earlier eras of our literature. In the
Dean's and other old collections, we find satires and lampoons
characterised by savage invective, but little of the genial
breadth or lightness of touch that we rightly associate with
humour. The Gael of Scotland and Ireland is certainly a
humorist, but humour as a literary feature seems to be, com-
paratively speaking, a somewhat modern development. The
Western Isles have contributed the greater part of this class
of poetry to our collection, and it is probably in that region
that the poetical humorist has most abounded.

As might be expected, a goodly number of the songs of
this Collection, having been gathered in the Archipelago of
the West, are nautical or seafaring productions. They are

XC. INTRODUCTION.

generally what might be called pretty songs, sung to lively
airs. The daring of the gallant sailor is dwelt on with a keen
appreciatiooi of his many good qualities of head and heart, the
seaworthiness of the good ship is graphically and eulogistically
set forth, and the wide ooean itself reoeives ite due meed of
praise or blame according as the elements are propitious or the
reverse.

We have included in our volume some specimens of
songs of the chase, " Orain Seilge." Theee are of great
ìnterest, descriptive as they are of the old-world ways and
notions of the sportsmen of bygone timea, when hunting was
not merely a recreation, but a necessary means of making up
the food supply of the p>eople. A few poems bear upon the
modem problem of the land, and the difl&culties arising in the
Highlands through the conversion of the chiefs into landed
proprietors after 1745, without the interests of the clans being
oonserved. There are also lullabies, which present a striking
oontrast to the ordinary English nursery rhymes. They
always strike a tender chord, and are sometimes even of a
moumful caste, the chorus being plaintive and soft for hushing
the child to sleep. To these are added specimens of milking-
songs, quern-songs, and fairy-songs. Much might be said of
these various classes, so characteristic of the old life of the
people. The milking-song often took the form of a tender
appeal to the cow to yield its milk to the milkmaid, and it is
credible that the sweet voice of the singer had a soothing and
persuasive influence. There are two quern-songs, very few of
this claas apparently surviving. That on p. 334 is a unique
composition, fully described in the Table of Contents, the
other being the work of Donald Macdonald (Mac lain 'ic
Sheumais), the hero of the battle of Carinish. Both illustrate
the process of grinding corn with the hand-mill, so common at
one time in the Highlands, but long in disuse. The measure
is of course in harmony with the rythmic movement of the
upper stone.

There is a weirdness about the fairy-song which the fairy-
hill and its shadowy inhabitants always suggeet. Strange and
unaccountable though it may seem, there are still a few
living in the Highlands who believe in the fairies. It haa
been an age-long and persistent belief. The fairies were
known as " sithichean," the peaceful folk, sometimes as the

INTRODUCTION. XCI.

" sluagh," i.e., the " people " or " folk," and the time has
not very long passed away since men lived who, when out at
night and in the way of these marching myriads, were inter-
cepted or overtaken, and carried whither they would not.
Such an one was regarded with solemn interest : ' ' Bha e air a
thogail air an t-sluagh " ; " he was lif ted on the people, ' '
The important place held by fairy myth is attested by the
numerous fairy hills or " sitheana " scattered through the
Highlands.

Of Hogmanay rhymes, or " Duain Calluig," very few
have ever been published. The Duan which is always appro-
priate to the occasion is still repeated in many parts of the
Highlands on the last day of the year. It is rehearsed at the
door of the house into which the reciter — usually a young lad
— seeks entrance, and, as a reward for his Duan, demands his
Hogmanay bannock, and whatever else the hospitalities may
deign to bestow.

The convivial songs of our Collection present a phase of
social life often condemned by the " unco guid," yet these
effusions are never coarse or indecent. The grosser motives
and the consequences of over-indulgence are never dwelt on
approvingly. Drink is indulged in, not from base motives,
but because in the poets' belief it made friendship stronger and
life more pleasant. The festal songs are full of enjoyment of
the present, undisturbed by care or thought of the morrow.
They are intensely human. It is because of these qualities, in
addition to such literary merit as they may possess, that they
are ever fresh, and deserve to be known and perpetuated.

Of sacred poetry, strictly speaking, there is but little in
thia Collection. The sea-prayer of the Clanranald, the hymn
of Keppoch on his death-bed, a hymn by Silis Macdonald on
the death of her husband and daughter, and a confirmation
hymn, are all compositions deserving of high praise — tender
in feeling, graceful in tums of thought, with a classic pre-
cision and elegance of language, which, according to Matthew
Arnold, is the most striking quality of the poetry of the
Celt. Compared with the mass of Gaelic poetry, there is a
great dearth of what may be called sacred or spiritual soaigs,
and what has been published is on the whole decidedly inferior
and much below the high-water mark of the secular poetry of
the Gael. The great poets of the Highlands, with one notable
ezoeption, have not laboured in this fiield.

XCll. INTROOUCTION.

It is chaxged against the Gaelic bards that they never rìse
•bove local tastes and prejudices, that they never handle a
theme of universal interest, never endeavour to philosophise.
They revel in satire, they never rise to an epic. To oontrovert
such a statement throughout ite length and breadth wooild
take far more space than we can afford — it would mean a
review of Gaelic poetry as a whole. Suffice it to say that
the partiality of the old Highlanders for those compoeitionB
which contained the traditional history of their heroes, and
their exploita, refutes the accusation brought against the
bards, of an exclusive devotion to local tastes and prejudices.
World-wide romances were the sourcea of their inspiration.
The Sgeulachdan, or prose romanoes of the Highlands, were
the fruitful source of many a Gaelic epic, both being mutually
interwoven during the oourse of the ages, and both having
been instrumental in moulding the intellectual life of the
people. The things that never have happened, outside the
brain of seer or seanachie, have had more influence on men's
lives than the things which really did happen, because their
truth was not literal or on the surface, but came from the
depths of human nature. The legends of Greece and Rome
have been a never-f ailing stimulus to orators and poets ;
history cuts a very poor figure beside the sparkling inventions
of mythology, and the " noble lie " of Plato has had ita rich
exemplification in the literary history of the Gaelic race. A
raoe of singers it was, and still is, the structure of whose
thought and speech has been built out of the precious stones
of poetry and romance. Whether they sang of the joy of
life, or uttered those " sweetest songs that tell of saddest
thought," they sang because it was their nature so to do, not
for posthumous fame, but to infc^ruct and charm the men and
women of their own day ; but they also attained to the goal
they did not seek, by furnishing delight to lovers of beauty in
the generatJonfi that were to follow.

XLbc /IDacbonalò (EoUection
ot (Baelic poetri^.

SIOL CHOLLà.

Daoin saor Siol Cholla,
On choinn lesa liath di'oma,
Daimhna na righ ortho Chuinn
Blath na Finemhna fremhuin. ,

Mnanain iarthoir eorpa,

Siol glan criaidh cinneolta

Laoich mhear corra mhall bhoinn bhregh

Feathlanna gloin shluagh Ghaoidheal.

Foirionn chaladh chlair na bhfhionn,
Clann losrahel na heirion,
Beg tarbha rieche re arath,
Gabhla thighe na temhrach.

Criathre bruithne abeol ceardcha
Tonna doimhne na dìleanta,
Eo bheithre catha do chur
Clacha tuinithe an talmhann.

G«in shochoir shluaigh banbh
Ih-eagoin lonna lasamhla
Tearc ann ion thshamhla na bhfhear
Diomba dhoibh gall no gaoidheal.

Ni chualomur rompa riamh
Clann Cholla chriochaibh oirghiall
Clann nanadhaigh budh ionchur
No asamhuil ann deir an chaigh.

THE MACDONALD COLLECTIOK OF GAELIC POKTBY.

Ni frith agus ui bli fuighear go brath
Ga das bheith oira ag iomradh
Na dagh ulaidh o bhoinu bhreth
Baramhuil dhoibh fa dheireadh.

Ni bhfuil deu sgeal oira soin

Siol gcoll ceineal Eachadh

Achd sealbh Eirioun dhoibh do dhul

Do bhriogh cheimeann uaccuradh.

Tar eis ardrigh innsifàil
Dlighid cionntoigh do chonn-mhail
Riogh raidh ciallaidh chlar eithne
Blaghin tar chorr gcoimirce.

Da gcuirthi coirthc ua ccoinn
Ase bhios dardrigh eirionn
Laichce an chion tòigh ion gach coir
Do ciontaibh cholla heachadh

A deirid eolaidh fhoid bhraidh,
Nach bfhuil ag righ ghuirt ghaoidhil,
Don air achd geill ar ghiallaibli
Dfaghaìl on fhein oirghiallaidh.

Sìol gcolla na gcolg slisgheal
Dliogh thior fhò do mbraigh dibhsin
Bheith ag cruth chomhuir le chaigh
Run abforuighte dfaghail.

Ataid inach o re na sean
Sochair nach eidir daireimh
Ag triadh hoirgialladh foid bhradh
Sar coige goirm fiadhaigh gaoidhail.

Do leig siod diobh do ndeoin fein
Siol uaibhreach eachadh dubhlein,
Rioghdhact mucce fhocft fàil
Ar sochroibh oile dfaghail.

Le righ oirghiall sin he mhain
Genal riogh eirenn dfhagail
Meas lem è da hiarraidh
An tè du bferr doirghialloibh.

SIOL CHOLLA.

Feadh achuilg sa chuibh leabhor
Uàidh sios gus na saor fheroibh
Ag righ daoinech chlann gcolla
Gan aoin neach an etorrtha.

Trian ionuach loinn trian tabhaidh

Trian cana chlair feradhaigh

Le roinn etoira don fhior

Do chloinn dhegh cholla dlioghair.

Dlioghior doibh sion mhodh
Ota samhain go samhradh
Gan la deabhan othoig go tigh
A neacha accoinn do choin mhiodh.

Ri temhrach an tres bliaghain
Ni bfhuil aige ar fhoirghiallaibh
Sda luaidhaidh e ni fheughradli
Ach sluaigh rè sechdmhuine.

Ciodh sin fein dfiachoibh orra
Braighde slechd saor Cholla
Ni chuir fer ceanghoil ag cuir
Ar feadh earraigh na foighmhair.

An crodh teid odhuinne doibh (io)
O thig se ar sluagh an airdrigh
Bi dheachd ar flath bhile fail
A sechd naith ginne dfhaghail.

Bo ar fhichid do gach fer
O ri fosoigh fionn gaoidheal
A nuair sin ag triall do thoigh
Riar ro uaisligh o eachaigh.

Troich colg ni comha bheg
Trioch brat deich neich fhichid
Trioch ger rann sidhe iar sin
O righ Eirenn do eachaigh.

Gan bhais thana gan trachd mbonn
As labhaigh na anigh iaroinn
Gan chnes bfhir accaircuir chloch
Don mc righ othigh teamhrach.

THK MACDONAIvD COLLECTION OF fìAELIC POBTRY,

Ni dleaghor iarnach orra
Braighde shleachda saor Colla
Achd bheith fa reir do chead chaigh
Ni beg angeill do ghabhaill.

Eirigh flatha le gach fer

O righ terarach ag tiblcadli

Re hoirghialloibh na bfhleadh bfhionn

Tar troim ghialluibh fher nèirenn.

Or dhoibh ar dornchlaibh alann
Or ar chiomh saibh accabhert
Braide an t-sloighe obn on rath breth
Dochaol snàith oir an erradh.

Oirghiala as uime adearar
Ri do ghnath tar ghaodheloibh
Or corcra as glas do ngiallaibh
Achd tochd ar ais doirghialloibli.

Ni bhi leo urdoil gan 6r
O righ Eirenn ag iompodh
Cinn abhfogha staithne aslegh
No truaille tana attroigheadh.

Le siol ecolla nan ccolg slim
Coimheirghe o fheroib Eirenn
Laoch rean soidheimnhe sidhbhan
Coimhairghe dhibh ni dleaghor.

Ga cor laimhe a labhor oir
O rìgh Eirionn fuair donoir
Ni niamhthor fòs bas na bonn
Ar tos achd no go nionnlann.

Ni dual tra attemrhroigh na ngiall
lonnlad re nairdrigh oirghiall
Na chor fir eile anad bhaigh
Roim'he do thoigh tionn bhroidh.

Ni dhligheadh airdrigh fhuinn bhroadh
Suidhe go suidheadh seision
Na eirge o fhinn dhigh don fior
Mileadh eirne go neirghaidh,

SIOL CIIOLLA.

Triaii ulaidh aillail trian connochd
Do reir marata adtorannachd
Do chuid ronna o rioghoibh fàil
Ag riogh fhail cholla agccadair.

Eirnne fhionn boinn ir baan
.Sgach iir atta starra
Fuinn-chno dhonua na ngclann griau
Torannta bhfher anoirghiall.

Tainic sochoir giol ccolla
Cuingidh catha liadroma
Ni do bfuil uathaidh re headh
Amuigh ar tuathaibh tailltion.

Da raadh ionn asc diarraidh
Ni iarroidh na hoirghiall
Na fiacha do dligheadii dhoibh
O chinn fhiaclia dfhagail.

Ni dith cumais na cumhne
Ata ar mhacroidh mhodhainic
Gochoir gheag mbarr ghlan mbaubha
Cread adhbhar ananamhna.

lomdha accliath bearna catha
lomdha anndhbair ard fhlatha
Sluagh mòr mion muighe maighen
Lor lionmhuir alaochraidhe.

Gan iad fein se cheile a corr
Adeirthi gur be as adhbhar
Go tri sluaghoibh chlar chodhoil
Agcoir naithoibh danamain.

THE MACDOXALD COLLBCTlON OF OABLIC POBTRY.

RANNAN MOLAIDH DO CHLANN
DOMHNUILL.

Cbannas Gliaidheal do Chlaun ChoUa,

'S còir fhògi'adh ;
'S iad a rìs 's na cathaibh ccudna :

Flaithean Fòdhla;
Ceaunas Eirinn agus Albainn

An fhuiun ghrianaich,
A ta aig an dream fhuilteach, fhaobharacb,

Curaidhean cliathrach.
Fhuair ceannas na h-aicme uile,

Eoiu a Ile.
Fhuair Alasdair, flath na fèile,

Rath nan righre.
Domhnull, Eoin, agus da Aongbus,

Bha fìal faoilidh,
Ceathrar a bhuinig riar o righrean,

'S do 'n ghèiU Gaidheil ;
Somhairle nach do mheall a raoladh,

Ceaun nan curaidhean ;
Ceathrar o Shomhairle suil-ghonn,

Suas gu Suibhne;
Ceathrar sin uach foiU an inbhe,

'S còir an cuimhneach' ;
Seisear o Shuibhne, roimh-rathmar,

Gu righ Colla,
Fion aca fo bhruaich Bhanna,

A cuachaibh coiTa.
'Nau aireamhainn na thainig uime

De dh' uaislibh nan Gaidhcal,
Bheiream gach aon ghliàin uaith gu Adhamh,

Ni fhuair aon fhear.
An so treis de ghinealach nau Gaidheal,

Mai' a ghealladh,
An dream sin ris nach còir coimeas,

'S do 'n còir ceannas.

MOLADH CHLANN DOMHNUILL,

MOLADH CHLANN DOMHNUILL.

Cha ghàirdeachas gun Ghlann Domhuuill,
Cha mhòr toil gun mòr Shiol Cholla ;
Treubh a bhug am bith o 'n fheilc,
Leaunana cèile is comuinn.

Clann Domhnuill ni clann mar chàch
Air meidh gu bràth 'nar gniomh ceart,
Ni bheil finne mar ta iad,
An iochd, am feile no neart.

Dlighear ceannas thar gach slòigh
Do Chlann Domhnuill na breith maJl ;
Eilde cath uau còmhlan cruaidh
Bheireadh buaidh air clanua Ghall.

Abhaiil abuich gach coill chnuasaich,
Cruineachd tuathachd gach magh mìn,
Reultaich sgeimh is iùil gach fìne,
An fhèile cèil gach duine dibh.

Leòghaun ciu*anta gach fàsaich,
Is dòbhran àghmhor gach linne,
Seabhaga gach ealtaiun uasail,
Aon treubh is uaisle 's a' chruinne.

Eanach Clann Domhnuill an àigh,
Mar fhreumhan abuich nach crion,
Mar fhàsgadh nan caora milis
Gach meanglan a' sileadh fìon.

An fhinne chaomh le 'n sgaoilte 'n t-òr,
Saor mar a mhuir mhòr o 'n t-siar,
Le 'm b' annsa onoir, fèil', is cliù,
Na brìb stòir an cìiil mar Dhia.

Mar dh' fholuicheas deah-adh na grèin,

Na reultan le barrachd sgèimh,

An neart an iochd am fèile,

An eanach thar gach fine, clann, is treubh.

THB MACDONALD COLLECTION OF OABLIG POBTBY.

Mar ghathan grèine ri fèath,
Air blàthaibh sgèimh nara magh mìn,
No cuan ciuin ri maduinn cheitein,
Samhuilt au sèimh is an sìth.

Ach 's mairg le 'n dviisgear an doinionu,
Air chuan goilcach nan lunn bras,
Mar chaoire teine dol 's na spcuran
Gu'n tig ac an-sgeul a' bhàis.

'N trath thogar, na fhèirg air sròl dcarg,
An leòghann garg 'na bheucadh borb;
Bidh driuchd nimhe 'g èigheach còmhraig
Air roinn gach ròine de cholg.

Clann Domhnuill au tùs na dòruiun ;
Nathara leòghanta an curaidh ;
Ni bheil prionnsaibh mar an triathaibh,
Nì bbeil triathaibh mar an giollaibh.

A CHUKAG tiIlUANACli.

A CHREAG GHUANACH.

Mi m' shuidh air shith-bhruth nam beann,
An taobh so de cheann Loch Trèig ;
'Chreag Ghuanach mu 'n iadh an t-sealg;
Grianan ard am biodh na feidh.

Creag mo chridhe-sa Chreag Ghuanach ;
Creag an d'fhuair mi treis de m' àrach ;
Creag nan damh 's nan aighean siubhlach,
A chreag aighearrach ùrar fheurach.

'Chreag sin mu 'n iadiiadh an fhaoghaid,
Leam bu mhiann a' bhi 'g a taghal,
'M bu bhinn guth ciun gallan ghadhar,
A' cur greidh gu gabhail chumhaiun.

'S biun a h-iolair air a bruachan ;
'S binn a cuach, is binn a h-eala ;
Seachd binne na sin am blaodhan
Dheanadh an laoghan breac ballach.

Creag mo chridhe-sa Chreag Giiuauach,
A chreag dhuilleach shlatach chraobhach ;
An tulach àrd àluinn fhiadaich,
Gur cian a ghabh i o 'n mhaorach.

De cha robh mi tric ag eisdeachd
Ri sèitrich na muice-mara ;
Ach 's miuic a chuala mi morau
De chronanaich an daimh allaidh.

Cha mhi fhein a sgaoil an comunn,
Bha eadar mi 's a Chreag Ghuanach,
Ach an aois 'g ar toirt o chèile,
'S goirid leam an ceilidh fhuair sin.

Chi mi leaba uan damh donn,
Agus leirg nan sonu shìth,
Faraon agus au Leitir dhubh,
'S aoibhinn leam an diugh ua chì.

10 THE MACDONALD COLLKCTION OF GABLIC POKTRY.

Chi mi Duuau au fheoir,

Agus garbh dhun inor nau sgòrr;

Coire Chlàraidh air a thaobh,

Far au tric robh 'n saoi 'ua dheaun.

Coire Eitidh 's Coire Dheirg,

Coirean 'ra bu mhiaunach leam bhi scalg:

Tha coire beag eile ri 'n tàobh,

'S e coire uau laogh 's nau damh dearg.

Beir mo shoiridh gu Bac nan craobh,
'S gu da thaobh Beaiach uau Sgòrr,
'S gus au Eadar-bhealaich mhoir,
Far nach cluiunear glòir uau Gall.

Beir soii'idh gu Beiun Allair uaiu,
O 's e fhuair urram uam beaun,
Da thaobh Loch Ericht an fheidh,
O 's miauuach Icam feiu bhi anu.

Chi uii Coirc Fhiiin uau os,
An taobh a bhos de Choire Mhill ;
'S Coire-chòinnich uan agh seaug:
lonmhuinn leam au diugh na chi.

Thoir mo shoiridh chum na cloich,
Far a faic mi bhos is thall ;
'S gu Uisge-Labhair nau laogh,
Muimc nau agh maol 's nam maug.

Chi mi Beinu Niniheis gu h-àrd,
Agus au Caru Dearg na bun,
Au tulach air a f as a ' f raoch ;
A' monadh maol gu ruig a' muir.

Ni fagainn Mhaol Cheanu-dearg am dhoigh,
Muime an fheidh a ui 'n ccòl,
Coir' eild" is au Leirig chaol,
Muime uau laogh is nam bò.

Dearmad cha deau lui m' i'auu,
Air feadh ghleann is bheanu beag;
Nis o 'u thuirt lui sibli gu leir,
Gabhaidh mi feiu dhibh mo chead.

A CHREAG GHUAXACH. H

An ccad is dorra riim nù riamb,
Cead do 'n fhiaclh do 'n robh mo thoil
Mo bhogha cha teid air bhur sgàth
'S gu la bràth cha leig mi coin.

Eilid bhirriginn, bhairigiuu, bhallach,
Odhar, fhiadhaich, iongach ard ;
Le a h-ògau bioracli, brionna<;h,
Crònanach, ceann riabhach, dearg.

'S aigeannach shiubhlas i 'n raon,
Cadal cha 'n iarr i 's an smìiir;
B' aunsa na plaideag ri taobh,
Barr an fhraoich ghagauaich iìir.

Ni bheil cèil' aic ach an danih ;
'S e a muime feur is creanih ;
Mathair an laoigh bhall-bhric mhir,
Bean an fhir mhall-rasgaich ghlain.

'S glan ri shloinneadh an damh donn,
A thigeadh bho eàrr nam beauu ;
Macan na h-eilid ris an tom,
Nach do chrom fo spìd a cheann.

'S iomadh ceiim a rinu mi riamh,
Shealg an fheidh agus na h-earb ;
Cha 'n fhaca mi dath aii- am bian
Ach glas is odhar is dearg.

Air cho fad 's a bhithinn beò,
Agus an deo ann mo chorp,
Bì mi buachailleachd an fhèidh ;
Sin an sprèidh an x'obh mo thoil.

Bua-chailleachd dhubhach dheurach,
'S mithich dhomh d' fhagail a'daonar;
Ma tha thu seal gu subhach,
Seal eile gu dubhach deurach.

A chaoidh cha bhi mi fo smalan,
Olaidh mi a Treig mo theanu-shath ;
Boine gian nam fuaran fallain,
Muime 'n fhèidh a ni an langan.

12 THB MACnoNALD CXJLLPXJTION OF OABLIC POBTRY.

Buau au cumunn gun bbrisbeadb
Bha eadar misc 's an t-uisgo ;
Uisge nam fuar-bheann guu mhisge,
Is mise 'ga òl guu trasgadh.

Cbualas taghadb gach ciuil,
Guth a' ghadhair mhoir a' teachd ;
Damh na sbiomauaich le gleanu,
Miol-choin a bhi ann is as.

Ineacli Dhc ort a tbrutb,
C'uime chuir cùl ris a' gbleauu?
Aon mhada 'gad cbur gu eug,
Agus sìa meoir dboug air do cbcann.

'S muladacb bbi siubbal bbeaun
Gun bhogba giin sreang gun cbù,
Guu urrad ua saighid bhi aun,
'S gun fbradbarc teann aig do sbùil.

Misc 's tusa gbadbair bbàin,
Bha sinn grathunn guu cheanal,
O 'n chaill siuu ar tabbunu 's ar dàn,
Is beag ar gnotliuicb do 'n ealdbain.

Tbug a cboille dbinn au earb,
'S tbug an t-ard dhinn ua feidb,
Cba 'n 'eil coir' agaiuu a laoich,
O 'u luidb au aois oiruu lc cbcil.

Aois cba 'u 'eil tbu ruiuu nieacbair,
Ged nacb faodar leinu do sheacliuadb,
Cromaidb tusa 'u duine direach,
Bhitheas gu mìleauta gasda.

Giorraichidb tu air a sbaoghal,
Agus caocblaidbidb tu cbasan ;
Fagaidb tu e gun deudaich,
Is ni tbu eudann a cbasadh.

Aois cbas-aodauuach dbreamaidli,
Shrcam-shuileacb, odbar citidb,
C'uime leiginn dbuit s tu d' lobbar
Mo bhogha tboirt uam air èigiuu.

A OHRBAG GHUANTACn. 13

B' annsa mo bhogha thasgadh,
'S gun fhaicinn gu latha dìlinn,
Na thusa aois bhì 'ga ghlacadh
Is mi fhein air bhata dìreach.

'S iomadh neach a b' fhearr na thusa,
A dh' fhag mi gu tursach anfhann,
A dh'fhaobhaich rai as a sheasamh,
Bha roimhe 'na fhleasga<;h meamnach.

A chomhachag bhochd na sròine,

A nochd is brònach do leaba,

Ma bha thu ann ri linn Dhomhnuill,

'S beag ioghnadh gur trom le d' aigne.

Is comh-aoise mise do 'n daraig

Bha na faillean anns a' chòiunich

'S iomadh àl a chuir mi romham

'S gur mi comhachag bhochd na Sròine.

A nis o 'n ata thu aosda
Dean-sa d' fhaosaid ris an t-sagart,
Agus innis dha gun bhreugan
Gach aon sgeula 'g am bheil agad.

Is furasda dhomhsa sin innse;
Gach beairt millteach a rinneadh ;
Cha robh mi mianuach no breugach,
Ged a bha mo bheul gun bhinneas.

Cha d'rinn mi braide no meirle,
Cladh no tearmunn a bhristeadh,
Air m' fhear fhein cha d' rinn mi eucoir
Is cailleach bhochd ionraic mise.

Chunnaic mi Alasdair Carrach,
An fhuil a b' fhearaile an Albainn,
Is tric a bha mi 'ga eisdeachd,
'N am bhì reiteach nan tom sealga.

Chunnaic mi Aonghus na dheaghaidh,
'S cha b' e sud roghainn bu tàire,
Anns an Fhearsaid bha a thuineadh
'S rinn e muillionn air Allt Làrach.

U TFIE MACnOVAT.n COLLECJTION OP OAELIC POETBT.

Bratach Alasdair nan gleann ;
A srol farumach ri crann ;
Suaicheantas soilleir Siol Chuinn,
Nach do chuir suim an clann Ghall.

Dh'fhag mi 'n Cillionain na laidhe,
Namhaid na greidhe deirg^e,
Lamh ghleusda marbhaich a bhradain ;
Bu ro mhath 'n sabaid la feirge.

Dh' fhag mi 's an Ruaidhe so shios,
Fear bu duilich dhorahsa bhàs;
'S tric a chuir mo thagradh an cruas,
An cluas an daimh chabraich an sàs.

Raonull Mac Dhomhnuill ghlais,
Fear a fhuair foghlum gu deas;
Deagh Mhac Dhomhnuiil a chuil chais,
Ni 'm beo neach a chonihraig leis.

Alaadair crìdhe nan gleann,
Gun e bhi ann 's mor a' chi'each ;
'S tric a lcag thu air an tom,
Sliochd nan sonn leis a' chu ghlas.

Alasdair Mac Ailein mhòir,
Mharbhadh ann am beinn na feidh,
'S a leanadh fad air an tòir,
Mo dhoigh gur Domhnullach e.

Gur Domhuullach e gun mhearachd^
Gur e 'm boinue ro-ghlan gruadhach,
'S ged tha e nis an tir Chatain,
Gur a dalt e do 'n Chreig Ghuanaich.

Gur dalt e do 'n Chreig Ghuanaich ;
'S fada o 'n chualas an seannachas;
Am boine ro-gheal nach 'eil èitidh
'S ann leat a bhreugnaichear bantrach.

Bu mhath mo bhuachaiUe cruidh,
B' e sud uasal nam fear;
Bu deacair dhomh tarmus air d'fhuil,
Cha bu dubh ach aobhach glan.

A CHREAG GHUAXACn. 15

Bu mhath mo bharanta cogaidh,
Ged a thogair mi tigh 'n uaidhe,
Gur e Eoin a Tigh-na-creige
O 'n a bhagair e mo bhualadh.

'S o'n a bhagair e gu teann,

Cha fad 's a mhaireas crann no clach,

Cha tog mi thuige mo thriall,

Nì rao dh' iarram dol na theach.

Is iomadh cogadh agus creachadh,
A bha 'n Lochabar an uair sin,
C' aite 'n robh thusa 'g a' d' fhalach,
Eoin bhig na mala gruamaich?

'Nuair a chithinnse na creachan,

'S iad a' dol seachad 's am fuathas,

Bheirinn ruaig do Choire Ratha

'S bhithinn grathunn 's a' Chreig Ghuanaich.

'S binn leam torghanaich nan os,
Fo uillean nan garbh bheann cas;
'N eilid bhiorach is caol cas,
A ni clos fo dhuille ri teas.

Locha mo chridhe sin Loch Trèig,
Locha mu 'm faighear feidh is earb,
Gu bheil a slios farsuing rèidh,
Mar gu 'm biodh an taobh aig mnaoi.

Locha mo chridhe-sa an Loch;
Loch air an snàmhadh an lach;
Gheibhte 'n sud 's an eala bhàn,
'S bhitheadh iad a' snamh mu seach.

Is aotrom an obair an t-sealg,
'S aoibhinn a meanm is a beachd,
'S mor gu 'm b' annsa leam a fonn ;
Na long is i doi fo beirt.

DhomhnuiII Mhic Fhionnlaidh nan dàn,
Is minic a mharbh do lamh fìadh,
A sheobhag uasail nam beann
Nach robh gann de shugradh riamh.

16 Tns MACDONATiD COLLEOTION OP OABLTC POETRY.

Uigh cha d' thug thu do 'n iasgach,
No bhi 'ga ìarraidh leis a mhaghar,
'S mor a b' annsa leat an fhiadhach,
A bhi falbh nan sliabh as t-fhoghar.

Dh' fhag iad Domhnull a muigh,
Na aonar an tigh nam fleadh,
'S gearr a bhios gucag air a bhuil ;
Luchd a' chruidh sud iad a stigh.

Tha nii niar Oisin an deigh nam Fiann,
Is cosmhuil ris mo chiall 's mo chàil ;
Mi 'n deigh gach duine chaidh uam,
Mhic Muire nach cruaidh mo chàs!

Gu 'n do labhair an aois a rithist,
Is ruighinn a tha thu leantuinn,
Air a bhogha sin, an cònihnuidh,
'S maith gu foghnadh dhuit am batà.

O 'n 's mi fein is fearr an airidh,
Air mo bhogha ro mhaith iubhair;
Na thusa aois pheallach odhar,
'S tu 'n oir an teallaich a' d' shuidhe.

'S maith gu foghnadh dhuitse bata,
Aois pheallaideach na plèide,
'S mo bhogha cha 'n fhaigh thu fathast,
A dh' athais no air ciginn.

'Se bloigh mo bhogha-s a m' uchd,
Le agh maol odhar gur h-ait;
Ise gionail 's mise gruamach ;
'S fhada leam nach buan an t-slat.

'S fhada leam nach buan a bhuidheann,
'S gun anu ach an ceo dhe 'n fheadhainn,
O 'm faigheamaid òl is meadhail,
'S leis 'm bu mhiannach ceol nan gadhar.

CEAD DO'N T-SEILG. 17

CEAD DO'N T-SEILG.

Iain Mhic Aonghais òig

B' e do dhlighe bhi coir riamh ;

Cas a dhireadh nan sròn ;

O do laimh gn 'n leointe fiadh.

Leis a' ghunna sin 'n ad uchd

Do 'm b' ainm an lorg fhada ghlas :

Bu tu namhaid a' bhruic,

O 'n a' cheud latha dh' fhalbh e leat.

Ochadan ! is mi gu tinn,
Is mi am shìneadh air mo dhruim ;
Is mi bhi cuimhneachadh gu tric,
Nach iarr iad mi nis gu cuirm.

Cha 'n iarr iad mi thigh an òsd,

O 'n dh' fhàs mi m' dhuine gun spèis,

Ach bha mi uair a dhìrinn sròn,

'S chuirinn luchd a' bhòsd am dhèigh.

Cha mharbh mi coileach no cearc;
Cha thilg mi lach air an t-snàmh ;
Cha chuir mi mo ghath an sruth ;
Cha leir dhomh eun dubh no bàn.

Cha leir dhomh talamh no toll;
Cha 'n 'eil mo chom ach mar sgàth ;
Cladhaichibh talamh gu luath :
Tha 'n uaigh a' feitheamh ri m' bhàs.

'Nan togadh tu mis' air do mhuin,
'S mi air fas a' m' dhuine trom,
Dh' fheuchainn duit aisridh nam fiadh ;
Sud e seachad sios an gleann.

18 THE MACDONALD COLLECTION OF GABLIC POBTRT.

Chunna mise 'n ceud no dha ;
Luchd chabar is chroc cam ;
Dar ghluaiseadh bhur langan tric,
'S fada chluinnte glis bhur n-eang.

Sliochd na h-earbaig a bha 'n sud,
Chunna mi gu h-aotrom 's gu h-ait ;
Chaidleadh i 'n t-aonach fo dhealt,
'S a lorg air fraidh gun dol as.

Chunna mi an coir' ud shuas,

Ge fad' an duan o 'n a bha,

Gu 'm bu lionmhor ann eilid ghlaa,

Agus damh a ruith gu àird.

Chluinnte' sèitirnich bhur sròn,
Is crònanaich mhòra bhur clèibh ;
Seal mu 's eireadh a ghrian,
B' e mo mhiann a bhi 'n 'ur dèigh.

Gur tric a bha m' athair Pionn,
Gte cruaidh an iomaguin a th' aun ;
Ag èisdeachd stararaich nan sonn,
Damh donn 'g a thabhunn ri gleann,

Mo chuilein bus-dubh 'na dhèigh ;
Bu leoir a dheisead 's a dhealbh :
Tuisleadh cha d' fhuair e na cheum,
Mo chuilein luath, sgiobalta, garg.

'Na faigheadh i 'n cruas fo cois,
Talamh reidh is tionndadh tric,
Bheireadh i bòid 's dùbhlan ris,
Dh' aindeoin diorras a' choin ghlais.

'S mi am shuidhe 'n so gu ceart,
Air aisridh chruaidh uan clach,
Far an robh m* athair gu tric
Làn aighir gun aon sproc.

'N t-aisridh tha eadar an da charn,

Par an tric 'n do leag mi 'n damh dearg is ©ild,

'S far an robh lain le bhalg,

Làn shaighead nan colg geur.

CBAD DO'n T-SBILG. 19

Chi mi 'n Coire Ratha uam ;
Chi mi Chruach 's a Bheinn Bhreac ;
Chi mi Srath Oisin nam Fiann ;
Chi mi ghrian air mheall nan leac.

Chi mi garbh Choire-creagach a' chruidh,
Agus Leitir-dhubh nan sonn,
Is Coire riabhach a' Mhaim,
Far an tric an tug mo lamh toll.

Cead do 'n mhaoisich, cead do 'n bhoc,
Cead do 'n damh is dosaich' barr,
Cead do 'n eunlaidh is glan deoch,
Cead do 'n fhuaran as a' charn.

Cead do 'n choire tha fo m' chois,
'S an coir' eil' tha sinnteach ris,
Eadar Coire-mhuilinn lom,
'S Coire-cheathaich nan damh se&ng.

Mile marbhphaisg air an aois,
Ni i caochladh roimh 'n a' bhas;
Fasaidh prab air an t-sùil,
'S bi a bhrù gu falamh fàs.

20 THB MACDONALD COLLEOTION OF GAELIC POETRT.

MARBHRANN do dh' Ailein, Triath Chlann
Ràghnuill, a chaochail anns a bhliadhna 1505,
agus (\o Raonull, a mhac, a chaochail anns
a bhliadhna 1509. Le MacMhuirich.

Alba gun dian au deigh Ailein,
Oigbreachd Ràghnuill nan rosg mall,
Mo chor on dhèug an da fhear sin :
Crodh da meud nach easbhuidh orm.

Laoch le 'n cothaichte clàr monuidh,
Mac Maireid ga mò beud,
Nach agair le dith bu duiliche,
Ged 's e crioch gach oighre èug.

Ailein le 'n coisne Clàr Fhionaghail,
Fine Cholla fo chneas mìn ;
6un tainig bàs oighr' O' Eachaidh
Nior chas oirnn an deachaidh dhinn.

Dh' eug Ràghnull on reim cheudna,
Ceannas Ghaidheal do ghabh sud,
Fhuair tre eug urram gach aon fhir,
Geug de 'n choill' fhaoilidh ud.

Caoineadh Kàghnuill nan roinnean corcuir,
Cor mo chridhe cha cheum soirbh,
Ge b' e latha is lugha da eagnach,
A ta chumha na eugcruas oirnn.

Ni fearr bheil mi an èis Ailein,
Oighre Ràghnuill, ni roinn mhìn,
Cinn air slòigh, ar conachlonn churaidh,
Cothrom bròin do bhunadh bhitheam.

Cumha 'n dithis, dàil chothrom,
Ceannach dhuinn ar dàil, an seud,
Na damhna dh' fhàg sinn o àrd mbagh,
Gabhla gaisge Albainn dh' èug.

MABBHRAXN'. 21

TàBg Kàghnuill do rochduin inbhe,
Deigh Ailein d a m b oirdhearc nòs,
A chaith a rè ruinn a theasda,
Truagh nach siiin a theasd air tòs.

Ràghnall air dol an deigh Ailein,
Eug aon fhir cha 'n 'eii mo spèis,
Rainig a theasd thai- gniomh ghaidheal,
Cha cheisd aon fhear ua èis.

Am breith a bhàis cha bheirt chothrom,
Air Cloinn Cholla nior ghabh gèis,
Abhàs (eug) agus oighre an aniochd,
Geug Moirne gun leirsinn ieia.

Cantar uam ri tìich' mar eala,

A Uath Ruairidh nan roiuneaii gorm,

Mo mhuirn ri d' chois, a dheud dhath gheal,

D' eug a nis tha aithghear orm.

Do theasd gu bràth bidh 'nar cuimhne,
Conachlonn teine àrd an cliu,
'N t-èug na chàraid ri èug Ailein
Geug nach d' rainig toibheum thu.

A cheanabhile Chloinne Còbhaidh
Crioch bhur n astar auba 'm bèud
An d' earna sibh orra d' arguin
'S truime ua sin dh' Albainn d' èug.

Uir guu ioth a h' aithle euga,
Oighreachd Ràghnuill, cha roinu mhion,
Mar ta iad, ar croinn chrò gun toradh,
Coill ga lobhadh, falamh gach fiodh.

Thàrladh air a ghrèin do ghlais cumha,
ìsioT chuir blàth tre bharraibh geug,
Onfhadh nan sion ann gun iomlaid,
Gniomh bàrr gun ionndrainameid èug.

Na aimsir fo ghorm fhouu Ghaidheal,
Nior ghuth goirt an geall ri sin,
Gu bheil t-èug as a aithle,
Giir breug muir a tàradh o thìr.

22 THE MACDONAIJ) CÒLLBCTION OF' OABLIO POBTRV.

Crioch Fhionaghail an aimsir Ailein,
Oirdhearc do chàch an ceum a rug,
Fhuair ri rè treall de gach tàradh,
Oirleam na<;h e 'n talamh thug.

Foisgeul agam air Cuchullain,
'S air Cathfath an draoigh, diochra an lean,
A chineal ni fhuair gach aon fhear,
Deaghail uam sgaoiieadh a sgeul.

Cuchullain da chàirdeas Ultach,
Ollamh Theamhra air 'n d' thuit bròn,
An t-èug araon aig a sgaradh,
Nior fhaod gaol Chathfuidh do chlaoidh.

Urchradh an eigsi fo Chuchullain,
Crioch am bròin, cha bheag a cheisd,
Cha chuimhn' ged 's cian o am an righ,
Curaidb riamh a tarradh a theasd.

Bròn Chathfaidh uior chuirte an ioghuadh,

Dòigh nan con, cueas mar thuinn,

Mar ta meud treise mo thuirsa,

Do èug dithis don chloinnsa Chuiun.

Tùrsa Chathfaidh fath Chuchullain,
Ga mheas ri 'r cor ui ceum tnùth,
Urchradh de gheug Fheinne fhallain,
■ Aon fhear do eug ni damhna dhuinu.

Samhuil a bhròiu a bha uir Cathfadh,
Crioch a chumha le 'u d' thuit siuu,
Theid cumha thar chèill cumha,
'S ni lugha a phèin urchradh innt'.

Thar chumha chàich do chuir Cathfadh,
Ceum thar gach bròn, borb an gnàth,
Kàn aig mar sin uaiuu a fulaug,
Fhuair fath Chuchullain a chràdh.

Nior b' fhearr CuchuUaiu do Chathfadh,
Caidreamh RàghnaiII nan rosg gorm,
Nar muirn on chloinnse do fhuil Fhiachadh,
Do chuir tìirs' do fhiachaibh orm.

MARBHRAKK. 23

CuchuUain nar èitigh iomghuiu,
EigBÌ Fodla fàth gun bhrèig,
Cathfadh do chaidh d' èug da urchradh,
Gèug mar stuaigh tholcha nior threig.

Na miosda dhuinn tre dhith aon fhir,
Eug an dithis doiibh an len,
Ni fàgar bàrr bròin air Cathfadh,
Am chòir re sgarrain a sgeul.

Ni bheil uan dèigh dearmud cumha,
Nar cuimhne dhuinn daii a set,
Trom leinn a chlaistin gan caoineadh,
Da rinnreim ghaisge Ghaidheil Ghrèig.

Cuchullain feithfeoir na Fodla,
Feidhm oirdhearc a nuair do mhair,
Dion a threibh thar chàch a cliathaibh,
Do ghabh gach tràth dh' fhiachaibh air.

An Cù sin a coimhead Albainn,
Ailein euchdach anabarr am beud,
A dion a h-oinigh 's a h-àrd mhagh,
Gniomh duillich do Albainn èug.

Ràghnall do dh' eug an dèigh athar,
Aithris na con ga chneas seang,
A coimhid crioch clàr nan Colla,
Ni frith dhaibh orra a b' fhearr.

Eagnaidh Ailein mar Chuchullain,
Crodhachd RàghnuiU nan ruag diou,
Bàrr air bàs gach fir oighre,
'S e sin càs us duiliche dhaibh.

Mairidh gu bràth buan a chuimhne,
Cumha a charaid, ge ceum doirbh,
Do eug an dà fhear sin do fhuil Eamhair,
Ni chuir easbhuidh aon fhear oirn.

Tàrras Ràghnaill a rinn cumha,
Do d' chomunn, a chneas mar am blàth,
Crioch air an clòdh nior chuir m' ùrchràdh,
Ni bheil ach bròn cumht' air chàch.

2i THB MACDONALD COLLBCTION OF GAELIC POETRT.

Beo blagh an aithle gach aon fhir,
O Ailein nar iongnaimh 'n gliadh,
Ge fior t-èug is tu nach teusda,
Feuch do chliu bu deasd ad dhèigh.

Lion catha na chaidrimh teaghiaidh,
Timchioll Ailein nan arm sean,
'S ioghnadh an uaigh 'bhi na aonar,
'S mar fhuair e au saoghal re seal.

URXUIGII MABA CIILANX RAGHNUILL. 25

URNUIGH MARA CHLÀNN RAGHNUILL.

OiGH chùbhr' na mara,
Thu làn de na gi'àsan,
'S an Righ mòr-gheal maille riut,
Beannaicht' thu, beaunaicht thu,
Beannaicht thu a' measg uam ban.
0 guidh' ! mo ghuidhc do Mhac losa,

E bhi mar rium,

E bhi ri faire,

E bhi g' ar caithris,
E sgaoileadh tharuinn a chochuill bheannaicht'
0 rà-soluis gu rà-soluis,
O shoills' òg-ghil a' chamhanaich
Gu soills' òr-bhuidh' an anamuich
'S rè na h-oidhche dtibhra dòbhaidh,

E bhi 'gar còmhnadh,

E bhi 'gar seòladh,

E bhi 'gar steòrnadh,
Le iuil agus glòir nan naoi gathanan grèine,
Tro' mhuir, tro' chaol, tro' chtimhlait,

Gus an ruig sinn Mùideart,

O gus an ruig sinn Mùideart,

'S deagh Mhac 'ic Ailein.

26 THB MACDONÀLD COLLECTION OF GABLIC POBTRY.

MARBHllANN do Shir Domhnull, Triath Chlami
RàghnuiU, a chaochail anns a bhliadhiia 1618.
Le Mhnaoi, Mairi, Nighean Aonghuis Mhic-
Dhomhnuill, Triath Dhùn-Naomhaig.

MocH 's a mhaduiiin 's mi geiridh,
Gur ruiteach mo dheur air mo ghruaidh,
Nach freagair thu m' eigheach,
A lùb cheanalta trèun a dh' fhàs suairc;
'S e chuir mo shùileau o leirsinu
Bhi càradh na leine mu d' thuairms',
Ach a Mhuire ! mo sgeula,
Cha'n èirich thu fèin gu la luau.

Ach a DhomhnuiU uan gèurlann,

A Mhic Ailein a dh' eisdeadh ri coòl,

A bha gu misneachail trèubhach,

Ann an gliocas 's an cèumaibh bha àrd;

Fear do choltais cha trèiginn,

Bho 'n bu deacair dhomh fhèutainu na b' fheàrr,

B'e mo chreach air an t-saoghal,

Nach bu mhaireann na daoin' ud gu bràth.

Sàr uachdaran cliuiteach,

Air Uidhist 's air Mùideart nau gieauu,

Sàr mharcaich eich shunndaich,

Air each aigionnach lùthchas nan srann,

'S maith thigeadh ad' a' bheoi) ùir dhuit,

Air chvil bachlagach cùl bhuidh nan claun,

'Dol an coinneamh na cìiirte,

Bu fhlathail an t-sììil a bha d' cheann.

Nuair a bha thu 'n Dunèidean,

Cha bu Gholl air each srèine bha toann,

Ach an t-àilleagan eibhneach,

'S a' chridhe gun eucoir, gun fheall,

Ri uchd barra na tuinne,

'S tu chuireadh an ìre do chainnt,

Beul a labhradh an fhirinn,

Cho ceart 's ged sgriobht' i le peaunt.

MARBHRANX.

An uaii' a rachadh tu thairis,

Air chuireadh gu baile Mhic Leoid,

'S iomadh gallau glan uasal

'S mac maiseach a ghluaiseadh ad chòir;

'Nam suidhe mu'n fhion duit,

'S tu a b' urrainn ga dhioladh 's ga òl,

'S tu nach deanadh a phrìs dheth,

Gheibheadh càch dheth gun diobradh an leòr.

Nuair a thigeadh na maithean,

Na h-uaislean 's luchd tathaich do'n tir,

Bu tu fein an ceannuighe,

Nuair a dheanadh tu suidho gun sgios;

Ann an uachdar do thiglie,

Bu neo bhruailleanach t-fhaighinu 'sau tìm,

Gheibhte fìon 's uisge beatha,

Agus urla nam flatha ga dhiol.

Och m' aighear is m' èudail !

'S tu a sheasadh le cèile ri m' chùl,

C'àite am b' aithne dhonih fhaotainn,

Ceann cinnidh a b' fhaoilidh na thu;

Leat bu mhiann a bhi stàtail,

'S tu fèin a bhi càradh um' gìiu,

Riamh cha d' choisin thu gràin uam,

'S ann a gheibhinn uat fàilt' agus mùiru.

B' e mo dhiubhail an t-aiseag,

Air an d' thainig thu dhachaidh guu chainnt,

O! 's mis' th' air mo sgaradh,

'Nam sgaoileadh do bhi*ataich ri crann;

Gheibhte fìr air bheag cèille,

Agus mnathan gun bhrèid air an ceann,

'Bhi ga d' ghiulain gu Eaglais :

Leam bu dubhach an t-eadhach a bh'anu.

O ! 's mis' th' air mo chiurradh,

Mu cheanuard na ducha' so fein,

Bha an cruinneachadii dùmhail,

Is iad uile fo thursa 'na d' dhèigh;

Nuair a chuir iad 's an ìiir thu,

Bha mo shùileansa cruinneachadh dhèur :

Och ! a Mhuire mo thruaighe,

Chaoidh cha ghluais thu le luathghair nan teud.

28 IIIE MACDONALD COLLBCTKJ.N oi <,aELIC POBTBY.

Tha mu ghuidh air au Ard Kigh,

'N t-òg mhac siu a dh' fhàg thu ua d' dhèigh,

Mi bhi leis airson bràthar,

Mar ghibht is mar àbhachd dhomh foiu ;

Gum bu bhuidheach a bha mi,

Nam faigheadh e dàil on an èug,

Gus am faicinn a phàistean,

Ri mire 's ri àbhachd leo fèiu.

Ib iomadh sgal piobadh,

Mar ri farrum nan dìsnean air clàr,

Rinn mi eisdeachd a'd' bhaile,

Mar ri èisg agus caithream nam bàrd ;

Rì do leabhraichean seauachais,

Le falluinge dearga, 's ri dàin,

Mar ri sòlas gun iotadh,

C'uim an leiginnsa dhiom thu gu bràth.

O! 's mise'th'air mo bhuaireadh,

'S mi 'g amharc a suas ris a ghleann,

'S mi a cuimhneachadh uaislean,

'Chuir sgaoilidh 's a ghruaig bh' air mo cbeann;

Mòr chliuiteach nigh'n Ruairidh,

Guidheamsa buaidh air a clann,

Siol Ailein 'ic Ailein,

'S e 'ur n-aobhar bu choireach ri m' chall.

O ! 's mis' th' air mo sgaradh,

'S mi falbh feadh do bhaile leam fein,

G^d a dheante leo banais

Cha 'u fhaic iad mi teanal da rèir;

O nach maireann mo ghràdhsa,

Leat cha chàirich mi brèid,

Bho 'n is deacair am bàs dhomh,

Tha m' fhortan au gràsaibh Mhic Dhè.

'S mi tha muladach, bròuach,

'S mi falbh feadh do sheòmair leam fèin,

'S mi gun chadal, gun chòmhnadh,

Gun aighear o'n Dòmhuuch so lèum;

Mi ag amharc do bhaile

Gun sùgradh, gun aighear, gun fheusd,

Gur mis' th' air mo sguabadh,

Ou a chailleadh oirnu buachaiil au fhèidh.

MARBHRAXN. 29

O ! 's mis' tha fo mhulad,

'S mi 'g amharc do ghunn' air an stèil,

Sàr ghiomanach ullamh,

'S tric a rinneadh leat fuil anns a bheinn ;

Le gunna caol a bheòil chumhaing,

'S tric a rinneadh leat fuileachd air seilg,

Ged a dheanadh cach rùsgadh,

Cha d' iarr thu riarah cunntas 's na bèinn.

Tha mo chridh' air a mhiìchadh,

'S mì ag amharc na dìithcha' ud thall,

'S cha lugh' mo chuid airtneil,

Le mo lèirsinn bhi faicinn do bheann;

Mar a biodh mar a tha<;hair,

'S ann leamsa gu'm b' ait 'bhì dol ann,

Gus an d' thainig lom chreach orm,

Mar gu 'n ruitheadh a chlach leis a ghleann.

Sguiridh mise dheth 'n dràsda,
O nach urrainn mi ràdh na bheil fior,
'S ann tha m' ulaidh is m' àbhachd,
Ann an ciste nan clàr 'ga chur aios ;
Lamh iomairt an tàileisg,
'S a chuireadh an clàrsair am prìs,
Ach a Eigh ! mo throm sgàldadh,
Nach èigh iad gu bràth thu 'ga dhiol.

30 THB MACDONALD OOLLKCTION OP OAELIC POBTBT.

ORAN GAOIL Do Nighean Mhtc Dhomhnuill
Chinntire. Le Mac Ghilleathain.

'S LUAiNEACH mo chadal a nochd,
'S mi tionndadh air taobh mu fleach,
Mo chridh' air searg ann am uchd,
'S trom dubhach m' inntinn gu beachd.

'S ann 'san àro3 an so shios,
Tha bhean mheachair 's mìn-gheal cruth,
Dèud air dhreach na cailc na bèul
Gur binne na teud-chiuil a guth.

Slat iìr nam fàinne fìonn,

Bean ìb mìne, mòdhar, sùil,

'S a gruaidh mar an caoi-ann doarg,

Air lasadh mar dbealbh an ròis.

Mar chobhar an uisge ghlain,
Mar shlios eala ri uisge mear,
Glan lèug mar an cathadh-cur,
A' ghnùis on tigeadh an gean.

Meòir fhionn air bhasaibh bàn,
Uchd soluis is àille snuagh,
An gaol a thug mi dhith ra luaidh,
Och nan Och! is cruaidh an càs.

Cha dìrich mi aonach no beinn,
Mo chèum air a lagadh gii trom,
Aighear cha tig air mo ghnùis,
Gus an dean an ìiir mi slàn.

Mar ghràine raullaich na dèis,
Mar ghallan 's an òg-choille fàs,
Mar ghrian ri folach nan rèul,
Tha thu fèin a measg na mnà.

ORAN DO MHAC lAIN 'lC 8HBUMAI8. 31

ORAN DO MHAC lAIN 'IC SHEUMAIS, AN

LA 'N DEIGH BLAR CHAIRINIS.

Le Mhuime, Nic Coiseam.

Mhic Iain ! a laoidh mo chèile,
H\ rì rl rì Q hù.

Gur moch a chuala tu 'n èibhe,
Hò ròhS h\ r\,
Chall èilibhò h\ 5 rShC,
Rò h5 I 6 chall 8 hao rl ù.

Gur moch a chuala tu 'n eibhe,
H\ r\ rl rl o hù.

Fhreasgair thu 'n tràigh 's an là glaaadh,
Hò ròhfl h\ rl.

Fhreasgair thu 'n tràigh 's an là glasadh,
Hi r\ rl r\ 6 hù.

Bhuail thu maoim air siol a chapuiU,
Hò ròh6 h\ rì.

Bhuail thu maoim air siol a chapuiU,
Hì r\ rl rì 6 hù.

Siol na làradh, blàire, bacaich,
Ho ròhC5 h\ ri.

Siol na làradh, blàire, bacaich,
Hi r\ rl r\ 6 hù.

32 THE JIACDONALD COLLBCTION OP OABLIC POBTRY,

CO-BEAG, NO lORRAM MHOR MHIC lAIN
IC SHEUMUIS.

LucHD tighe dheanadh mo fhreagairt,
Faibh orra seinn, falbh orra seinn,
Rothò lai-leo, choisin chòbeag.

'N tulgadh &a gu Loch-na-bleide,

Far an d' fhàg mi Màiri Bheag ann.

Ma dh' fhàg, cha b' ann air an eagal.

Ach gu stròm a cinn a leagadh.

'N tulgadh 80 gu Eilein Isaidh !

Far an d'rinn Macleoid a dhìnneir.

'S far an d' rinn Mac Colla 'n diobhail.

Dhòirt e fuil 's gun d'chaisg e iotadh.
Falbh orra seinn, etc.

CREAGAQ, NO lORRAM BHBAG MHIC lAIN 'lC SHEUMAIS. 33

CREAGAG, NO lORRAM BHEAG MHIC
lAIN IC SHEUMAIS.

Shuidhinn air stiuir 's dh' eighinn creagag,
Deanna-beag orò fadhaman,
Deanna-beag orò fadhaman,

Chreagainn leat ò,

Fhreagi'ainn leat ò.

Latha dhomh 's a' Chuilthionn chreagach,
Deanna-beag, etc.

Chuala mi piob mhòr 'ga spreigeadh,
Deanna-beag, etc.

Nuallan a' chrodh laoigh 'ga freagairt,
Deanna-beag, etc.

Bha 'na m' chuimhne ged bu bheag mi,
Deanna-beag, etc.

An latha bha chreach an Dunbheagain,
Deanna-beag, etc.

Bha beul sios air luchd nan leadan,
Deanna-beag, etc.

Bha làrach am bròg san eabar,
Deanna-beag, etc.

'S iad Clann Domhnuill rinn an leagadh,
Deanna-beag, etc.

Lamh-dhearg Dhomhnuill, lamh Ghilleasbuig.

34 THK MACDONALD COLLBCTIOX OF GAELIC POETRY.

ORAN BRATHAN. Le DomhnuU Mac lain 'ic
Sheumais.

Hu-ò hì rithibh ò,
Cìa inar tha thu fhir an tighe?

Hu-ò hì i'ithibh ò,
Tha mi mar a bha mi roimhe.

Hu-ò hì rithibh ò,
Gun mhire, gun cheòl, gun aighear,

Hu-ò hì rithibh ò,
Am shuidhe 'n uachdar an tighe.

Hu-ò hì rithibh ò,
'S mi thug na tri seoid dha t' athair,

Hu-ò hì rithibh ò,
Lùireach, is clogad, is claidheamh.

Hu-ò hì rithibh ò,
Thug mi sud dha, 's deagh bhean tighe,

Hu-ò hì rithibh ò,
Bean a riaraicheadh na maithean.

Hu-ò hì rithibh ò,
Mhic na Gorm-shuilich a Miiideart,

Hu-ò hì rithibh ò,
Cha b' e deatach dhubh an diidain ;

Hu-ò hì rithibh ò,
Chleachd thus a' bhi 'n tìirlach d'athar;
Fir òga ri losgadh fiìdair,
Ri mire, ri mùirn, 's ri aighear.

ORAN DO DHOMHNULL GORM 00. 35

OKAN DO DHOMHNULL GORM OG
SHLEIBHTE LE MHUIME.

Thoir leam gur i,

Nàile bho i,

'Ghrian 's i 'g èirigh,

Nàile bho hò,

Nàile buaidh thapadh leibh,

Nàile bho hì

Bho ghaisge na Fèinne,

Nàile bho hò :

Gu cùirt Dhòmhnuill,

Nàile bho hì

Nan sgiath ball bhreac,

Nàile bho hò,

Nan lann ceann gheal,

Nan saighead siubhlach,

Nan long seòlach,

Nam fear meamnach,

Nàile nàile hò,

Nàile gu triall;

Moch a màireach,

Gu 'n d' fhaighneachd a bhean

De 'n mhnaoi eile,

Co i long ud,

Sios air eirthir,

'S a' chuan Chananach?

Don bìdh ort,

C'uim' an ceilinn?

Co ach long Dhòmhnuill,

Long mo leinibh,

Long mo righ-sa,

Long nan Eilean,

'S mòr leam an trom

Tha na deireawih,

Tha stiuir òir orr'

Tri chruinn sheilich,

36 THE MACDONALD COLLECTION OF GAELIC POBTRY.

Cu 'rn bheil tobar fìona
Shios na deireadh,
'S tobar fìor-uisg,
'S a cheann eile.

Hò Nàile, Nàile,
Nàile ri triall,
Moch a màireach
Nàile chuirinn geall,
Am faod sibh àicheadh,
'Nuair theid mac
Mo righ-sa dh' Alba,
Ge be cala,
Tàimh no àite,
Gu 'm bi mire,
Cluich is gàire,
Bualadh bhìog,
Leois air dhearnaibh ;
Bi sud is iomairt hò
Air an tàileasg,
Air na cairtean
Breaca, bàna,
'S air na dìsnean
Geala, cnàmha.

Hò Nàile, Nàile,

Nàile le chèile,

Ge b'e àite,

'N tàmh thu 'n Alba

Bi sud mar ghnàths ann,

Ceòl is seanchas,

Pìob is clàrsach,

Abhachd 's dannsa,

Bi cairt uisge

Suas air phlanga

01 fiona 's beoir

A' d' champa,

'S gur lionmhor trìubhas

Saoithreach, seang ann.

, Nàile, Nàile,

Nàile hò Nàile;
s 'Nuair theid mac hò

ORAX DO DHOMHNULL OORM OG. 37

Mo righ-sa deiseal,

Cha 'n ann air chòignear;

Cha 'n ann air sheisear;

Cha 'n aun air naoinear;

Cha 'n ann air dheichnear;

Ceud 'nan suidhe leafc;

Geud 'nan seasamh leat;

Cuid eile hò,

Bhi 'cur a chupa deiseal dhuit;

Da cheud deug,

Bhi deanamh chleasa leat;

Da cheud deug,

'Bhi 'g iomairt a bhuill choise leat ;

Da cheud deug,

A bhi 'n ordugh gleachda leat.

Nàile, Nàile hò,

Nàile so hiigo bhi;

'N uair theid Mac

Mo righ fo uidheam,

Cha 'n i mhòr-thir

A cheann uidhe;

Ile 's Cinntìr;

An Roimh 's a Mhuthairn;

Duthaich Mhic Suain,

'S duthaich Mhic Aoidh cuide riutba.

Ge lionmhor dris

Air an draighionn,

No sguab cheann bhuidh'

Air achadh foghair,

No sop seann toghair,

Air ceann taighe,

Tha 'n cuirt Dhòrahnuill

Sgiath is claidheamh,

Clogada gorm dheas,

Is balg shaighead.

Mùirn is meaghail :
Gur lionmhor boneid
Ghorm air staing ann,
'S coinneal chèire
Laiste 's lainntear.

38 THE MACDONALD COLLECTION OF OABLIC POBTRT.

Nàile, Nàile,

Hò Nàile le chèile,

'Nuair theid Mac

Mo righ-s' na èideadh,

Gru 'n robh gach dìiil

Mar tha mi feiu da.

'De ma bhitheas,

Cha tachair beud dha ;

Gu 'm bheil mi dhuit

Mar tha do phiuthar,

Mur 'eil mi 'm bàrr

Tha mi uidhir:

Neart na gile dhuit,

Neart na greine,

'Bhi eadar DhomhnuU

Gorm 's a lèine ;

Neart na tuinne,

Na tuinne threubhaich

Bhi eadar DomhnuU

Gorm 's a lèine :

Neart an daimh dhuinn

Is àirde leumas;

Neart na fairge

Throma beucaich — Eadar, etc^

Gu 'n robh neart na cruinne leat

Agus neart na grèine.

/ Neart Chuchullain

Fo lan èideadh ;

Neart sheachd Cathan,

'S feachd na Fèinne
* Neart Oisin bhinn;
V Neart Oscuir euchdaich;

Neart Ghoill,

Nan trom chreuchdan;

Neart Fhinn

Nan iomadh beum ;

Neart gach aimhne,

'S gach uillt slèibhe;

Neart na stoirme,

'S na toirm ghaoith reubaich;

Neart na torruinn,

ORAX DO DHOMHNULL GORM OO. 39

'S na beithreach èitidh ;

Neart an dealain

'S an tàirneinich bheuthraich ;

Neart nam mìola

Mòra sèideadh ;

Neart nan dùl,

Is chlanna speura;

Gach aon diubh sud

'S neart Mhic Dhè ;

Bhi eadar DomhnuU

Gorm 's a lèine,

De ma bhitheas,

Cha tachair beud dhuit.

Thoir leam gur i
A ghrian 's i 'g èirigh,
Nàile bho hì,
Nàile bho hò.

40 THB MACDONALD COLLBCTION OP OABLIC POBTBT.

ORAN LUATHAIDH DO ALASDAIR
MAC COLLA.

Alasdair Mhic ò hò,

ChoUa ghasda ò hò,

As do laimh-sa ò hò,

Dh' earbainn tapadh trom èile.

Seisd — Chall èilibh o hi chall o horo,
Chall èilibh o hao chall o horo,
Chall eile uribhi chall o horo,
'S hao i otho trom eile.

As do laimh-sa ò hò,
Dh' earbainn tapadh ò hò,
Mharbhadh tighearn ò hò,
Loch nam breac leat trom eile.
Chall èilibh, &c.

Mharbhadh tighearn ò hò,
Loch nam breac leat ò hò,
Thìodhlaiceadh e ò hò,
Luìb a' bhreacain trom èile.
Chall èilibh, &c.

Thiodhlaiceadh e ò hò,
Luib a' bhreacain ò hò,
Ged is beag mi ò hò,
Bhuail mi clach air trom èile.
Chall èilibh, &c.

Ged is beag mi ò hò,
Bhuail mi clach air ò hò,
Chuir sud gruaim air ò hò,
Niall a' Chaisteil trom èile.
Chall èilibh, &c.

Chuir sud gruaim aii- ò hò,
V Niall a' Chaisteil ò hò,

'S dh' fhag c leann dubh ò hò,
Air a mhacaibh trom èile.
Chall èilibh, &c.

ORAN LUATHAIDH DO ALASDAIR MAC COLLA. 41

'S dh' fhag e leann dubh ò hò,
Air a mhacaibh ò hò,
'S bha Ni Lachlainn ò hò,
Fhein ga bhasail trom èile.
Chall èilibh, &c.

'S bha Ni Lachlainn ò hò,
Fhein ga bhasail ò hò,
'S bha Nic Dhòmhnuill ò hò,
'N deigh a creachadh trom èile.
Chall èilibh, &c.

'S bha Nic Dhòmhnuill ò hò,
'N deigh a creachadh ò hò,
'S beag ioghuadh dhi ò hò,
B' fhiach a mac e trom èile.
Chall èilibh, &c.

'S beag ioghnadh dhi ò hò,
B' fhiach a mac e ò hò,
Drongair, pòitear, ò hò,
Seòlt air marcachd trom èile.
Chall èilibh, &c.

Drongair, pòitear, ò hò,
Seòlt air marcachd ò hò,
'S ceannard a shluaigh ò hò,
'N tìis a' bhatail trom èile.
Chall èilibh, &c.

'S ceannard a shluaigh ò hò,
'N tus a' bhatail ò hò,
Sheinneadh leat piob ò hò,
Mhòr air chnocan trom eile.
Chall èilibh, &c.

Sheinneadh leat piob ò hò,
Mhòr air chnocan ò hò,
'S dh' òlta fion leat ò hò,
Dearg am portaibh trom èile.
Chall èilibh, &c.

42 THB MACDONALD OOLLBCTION OF GABLIC POBTRT.

'S dh'òlfca leat fion ò hò,
Dearg am portaibh ò hò,
Chuala mi 'n de ò hò,
Sgeul uach b' ait leam trom èile.
Chall èilibh, &c.

Chuala mi 'n de ò hò,
Sgeul nach b' ait leam ò hò,
Glascho bheag ò hò,
Bhi na lasair trom èile.
Chall èilibh, &c.

Glascho bheag ò hò,
Bhi na lasair ò hò,
'S Abaraidhinn ò hò,
'N dèis a creachadh trom èile.
Chall èilibh, &c.

Alasdair 'ic ò hò,
Cholla ghasda hò hò,
Lamh sgoltadh uan, hò hò,
Tur 's nan caisteal chall eile.
Chall èilibh, &c.

MARBHRANN DO MHAC ALASDAIR. 43

MARBHRANN DO MHAC ALASDAIR,
TIGHEARNA NA LUIB.

AcH 's e 'n samhradh a chuar sinn,
'S a shèid oirnn a' ghaoth chuartain
A leig ar croit ris an fhuaradh,
A leag ar diòn-chlèith 's ar stuadha,
Do fhrois ar cruithneachd tiugh dualach,
Ar n-abhall àrd 's ar coill-chnuasaich,
Dh' fhag ag arrthaich mar uain sinn fo 'n chrò.
Dh' fhag ag arrthaich, &c.

A Thriath na Luibe 's na fèile,
Bu neo-lubach do bheusan;
Bu teo-ghradhach carthannach ceutach,
Ciuin iochdmhor acartha dèirceach ;
Crioch gach truaigh' agus trèin thu,
Chìnn na tuigse 's na cèile,
Bhi 'n leabaidh uaignich 's nach èirich le ceòl.
Bhi 'n leabaidh uaignich, &c.

Attì feasd cha 'n fhaic mi fear d' aogaisg;
Do chridhe fial nach robh gaoid ann,
Ach seirc is mòr-chuis is daonnachd,
Bòsd no bròd cha robh d' aoiribh,
'S goirt leam gàir agus aobhar,
Gach lag 's gach làidir 'gad chaoineadh,
Fhir nach ceileadh do ghaol dhoibh 's tu beò.
Fhir nach ceileadh, &c.

Bu shaoidheil rioghail 's gach aiceid,
An leomhan mòralach reachdmhor,
Caraid èiginn is airce,
Trom air tuath cha do chleachd thu,
'S 'nam biodh fear lompais gun bheairteas,
Mhaithte' 'n t-suim dha mu 'n creacht' e,
lad a nis gun chul-taice 's a' mhòd.
lad a nis, &c.

44 THB MACDONALD OOLLKCTION OF 6AKLIC POBTBT.

Cha ro d' uaisle ri crìobadh,
Bu tric mu d' ghuaillibh air sìoladh
Na bras fhuarana brìoghur,
Dh' fhan gun truailleadh o 'n dìlinn,
De shiol buadhmhor nan righre,
Chinneadh Scuit agus Mhllidh

'S gach fuil uaibhreach 'san rìoghachds' 'nad'fheoil.
'S gach uaibhreach, &c.

An crann is dìrich' ri sheanachas,
O 'n a shiolaich e 'n Albainn ;
Mac Ghillebrighde nan Garbhchrioch ;
Cholla 's Chuinn righrean Bhanbha,
De 'n treubh rìoghail sin Eirimhoin,
Leis 'n do chiosnaicheadh Tuath Danmhuinn,
'S e mo chreach thu 'g an leanmhuinn co òg.
'S mo chreach, &c.

Ard Mhic Alasdair chliùitich ;
A Thriath nam bratach 's nan lùireach ,
Nan sgiath 's nan clogada cùmhdaich,
'S bearn a sluaightibh ar dìithch' thu,
'Nam na caonnaig a dhvisgadh,
'S nan geur-lann a rùsgadh,
Nach tarruing thu 'n dlìiths doibh le ceòl.
Nach tarruing, &c.

Bu Mhìlidh curauta calm thu,
Leomhann fuileachdach meanmnach ;
Triath fhear cath agus còmh-lann,
'S cian a Breatunn chaidh ainm ort ;
Dh' fhairich claignean do naimhdean,
Gu 'n robh cudthrom a'd'armaibh,
B' iomadh bantrach o d'chearbadh am bròn.
B' iomadh bantrach, &c.

Ach dh'fholuich fòd o do shealbh thu,
'S 'nam b' ann le fòirueart do naimhdean,
Bu lionmhor tòiseach is ceannard,
Eadar Breatunn is Banbha,
Bhiodh a' deannruith tighinn 'nan armaibh,
'S tuilteach fola le h-aimhnibh,
'N uair a nochdta mu d' dhearmail an sròl.
'N uair a nochdta, &c.

MARBHRANN DO MHAC ALASDAIR. 45

Ach righ an uamhainn chuir sèisd riut,
An nàmh nach diongfann an t-euchdach,
'S nach gabh tiomadh ri deuraibh,
Bantrach dilleachd' no oighre,
A Righ Chruthaidh do 'n gèiU sinn,
Do thròm-bhuille so 'lèir sinn,
O 's tu lot sinn 's tu lèigh'seas ar leòn.
O 's tu lot, &c.

46 THE MACDONALD COLLEOTION OF OAELIC POETRY.

FAILTE RAONUILL DHOMHNULLAICH,

Marcus agua larla Unndruim, air dha tighinn
a dh' Alba an aobhar Righ Tearlach I. 's a
bhliadhna 1644.

Failt' a Mharcuis a dh'Alba,
E fein is armailt, le caismeachd,
A' tighinn a dhùthaich a shìnnsear,
An dream rioghail bha smachdail ;
Clann Domhnuill a Ile,
Righrean Innse nan gaisgeach,
Ceannas mar' agus tìr dhaibh,
Buidheann riomhach nam bratach.

Ann an Alba 's an Eirinn,

Rinn 'ur n-euchdan 'ur dearbhadh,

'S ann an aghaidh fir Shasuinn,

Cha do chleachd sibh bhi leanabail ;

Ard larla, ùr, allail,

Ogha 'n t-seannar bha ainmeil,

Somhairle Buidhe mòr, buadhach,

Com a chruadail 's na h-ainmein.

Aghaidh fhlathail na fèile,
Thig na ceudan 'chur fàilt' ort,
An tulla mùirneach na fialachd,
An tric a dhiolar deoch slàinte;
Fhuair thu urram thar chèudan,
'S lionmhor bèus a tha fàs riut,
Cian is fada chaidh all' ort,
Oighre Charaidh 's Ghlinnarm thu.

Righ nan diil 'bhi 'ga d' chòmhnadh,
'S 'ga do sheòladh le ghràsan,
Righ nan aingeal 'gan glèidh thu,
O gach beud, 's o gach gàbhadh ;
'S lionmhor gallan deas, treubhach,
A ni eiridh fo d' bhrataich,
A bheir dìilan do 'n nàmhaid,
'S nach fuiling tàmailt no masladh.

FAILTE RAOXUILL DHOMHNULLAICH. 47

'S mòr muinighiu do chàirdean,

Nis o'n thàinig thu dh' Alba,

'S mòr an tachdsa do 'n Righ thu,

On a dh' inntrig an aimlisg;

Mu'n teid crioch air an tuasaid,

Theid an ruaig air a phràbar ;

Gur i chòir bhios an uachdar,

'S cha'n fhaigh luchd-tuaileis an àilghios.

Gheibh gach cealgair mar thoill e,

Theid gach traoiteir a smàladh,

Cha bhi chuing oirnn 'ga giulan,

'S cha 'n fhaigh luchd diumbaidh an àilein ;

Gun teid luchd nam beul fiara,

A chur sios fo ar sàilean,

'S bidh Clann Domhnuill an uachdar,

Mar bu dual do 'n an àl sin.

48 THE MACDONALD CX)LLBCTION OP OAKLIC POETRT.

BRIGHID OG NAN CIABH.

CuiREAM do chomraich

Air Dia agus ìompaidheam,
Rèitich dhomh am bealach is na fuiling mi am pian,

Nan tigeadh tu do 'n t-sliabh,

'N t-aite chòmhnaicheas am fiach,
A' deanamh lionn-dubh feadh nan gleannaibh 's gur leat chaill
mi mo chiall.

Tha gràdh agam air mnaoi,

Agus chràidh i mo chrìdh ;
Bu bhinne leam i naoidh uairean na a chuach air a' chraoibh,

'S na lon-dubh a bheoil bhuidhe,

'S an cèirseach ri a taobh
Si an smeorach bhinn bhreugach a gheur-loisg mo chrìdh !

An cuala sibse tràcht

Air cluainidheachd na mnà,
Is air feabhas a sgriobhas i le caol pheann air clàr ;

Ni bheil e ri fhaigheil,

Ann 'san Fhraing no 'san Spàin,
Nach 'eil diol fir mar chèile mnaoi, am peurla a chuil bhàin.

Gheibhinnse gu leòr

Luchd sìoda agus sròil
Adaibh mìne dubha agus fainnean buidhe òir:

Ni rachachd mise leò,

Ach leatsa mhìle stòir,
Fhior phiuthar larla Aontruim 's gur tu plannta de 'n fhuil
mhòir.

CLAKN DOMHNUILL AN COGADH RIGH TEARI^CH I. 49

CLANN DOMHNUILL AN COGADH RIGH
TEARLACH L 1644-5.

HoRO hì hòireanan,

Hòro chall eile,

'S na horo hì hòireanan.

Tha mo chion air Clann Domhnuill,
Dream ògalachd èuchdach.

Clann Domhnuill na gallain,
Siol allail Chuinn Chèudch'aich.

Siol Chuinn nan cèud cath,

Gur cian chaidh all' air 'ur n-euchdan.

Clann Domhnuill a chruadail,
Nach biodh suarach mu chèile.

Clann Domhnuill nam faìche,
Nam bratach, 's nan geur-lann.

Luchd nan còtaichean sgàrlaid,
Chit' an dearsadh la grèine.

Luchd nan còtaichean gearra,
Dha maith da 'n tig fèileadh.

Luchd nan osanan ballach,
'S nan gartanan gle-dhearg.

Luchd nan calpanan tomult,

Mar bhogh' air dheagh ghlèusadh.

Luchd nam boghanan iudhair,
Chuireadh siubhal fo shaighdibh.

Luchd tharruing nam biodag,
Fo chriosan an fhèilidh.

'S nan gunnaichean dubha,
'Dheanadh bruthadh is rèubadh.

•0 THB MACDONALD OOLLBCTION OF OABLIC POBTBT.

'S nan claidhnean geala,

Chit' air bhearradh an t-slèibh».

Dream uaibhreach nam buiUean,
Sud a bhuidhean nach gèilleadh.

Gun cinnich an Dòmhnach,
Le Clann DomhnuiU na fèile.

Luchd nan sgiath 's nan lann tana,
Neul na fala gun dèis orr'.

'S ann an dèigh 'ur laimhe,
Gheibht' an cnaimh air an rèulan.

Clann Domhnuill a chruadail,
•Thug a bhuaidh am Blàr Leine.

Clann DomhnuiU na gaisgich,
Dream gun ghaiseadh, gun èislein.

Thug sibh mionnan a Bhiobuill,
An srath iosal Allt-Eirinn.

Nach rachadh claidheamh an truaill,
Gu 'm biodh a bhuaidh le Righ Seurlas.

Gu ma slàn do na gillean,

Dh' fhalbh an iomairt Righ Seurlas.

ORAN DO MHORAIR DOMHNULLACH GHLINNEQARADH. 51

OEAN DO MHORAIR DOMHNULLACH
GHLINNEGARADH. Le lain Lom.

GrUR fada leam an Sasunn thu,
'S a' bhi 'ga d' chreach le spòrs.

B' fhearr leam cot' is breacan ort,
Na pasbhin chuir air chleòchd.

'S tu bhi falbh gu h-aigionnach,
An triubhas chadaidh clò.

Greis a thoirt air chuairteachadh,
Do Ghleannacuaich an fheòir.

'S tu dìreadh ri uchd Ladar-bheinn,
Bhiodh greighean 'na do chòir.

'S cuilibheir maith nach diultadh leat,
Air Ultaiche nan cròchd.

'S nuair a ni thu fuileachadh,
Do chuilein air a lorg.

'S ged tha mi aig Mac Coinnich,
C'uim an ceil mi air mo ghlòir.

B' ait leam aig Mac Alastair,
Lochcarron agus Stròm.

Eadar Rugha na faochaig,
Agus Caisteal Maol nan corn.

Eadar Port na Galltàlaich,
Is gàrradh cul tigh Leòid.

B' fhearr leam fhìn gu 'n sgriobhta l©at,
'S i Ile ghlas an fheoir.

A cheist nam ban o'n Lagan,
Gu 'm a fada bhios tu beo.

Fuath nam ban on Channanaich,
'S cha 'n aineolach mo ghlòir.

Ì2 THI MACDOMALD COLLXCTION OF •▲JLIC PORTRY.

BAS MHARCUS HUNDAIDH. Le lain Lom.

'S Mi 'g amharc Strathchuaiche,

'S mòr mo ghruaim, 's cha bheag m' èislein,

A bhi 'g amharc nan gleanntan,

'S an robh 'n camp aig larl' Einidh;

Ris an goirt' an t-Eun Tuathach,

Nach d' fhuaradh ri breun chirc,

Ged a tha e san am so,

'S e gun cheann an Dunèidean.

Bu ro-mhath b' aithne dhomh t-aighear,

'Nam dhuit gabhail gu d' sheòmar ;

Bhiodh farum air tàileasg,

'S dà chlàrsaich ri còmhstri,

Gus am freagradh am balla,

Do mhactalla nan òrgan,

Pion dearg Spàinteach ga losgadh,

'N cuid a dh'obair nan oircheard.

Nàile chunna' mi uair thu,
'S gu 'm bu nuaghail do chòisridh,
Teachd a mach le d' gheard rioghail,
Air a' mhin-achadh chòmhnard;
Luchd nan casagan sioda,
'Ghlacadh pìcean gu h-eòlach,
Chuireadh glèus an adhbhans orr'
Ann an am dol an òrdugh.

Chuir iad cuspairean fàil duit,
Cho stàtail 's bu nòs leat,
Air an iomairt' na crùintean,
Ni as mù na Ras-Nopull ;
Is an tarragheargan daite,
'Chuil dhreachail ghil bhòidhich,
Chuireadh siubhal fo 'n chleitich,
Earr bhreicnich an eoin orr'.

BAS MHARCUS HUNDAIDH.

Ach a Thearlaich Oig Stiubhairt,
'S fhad an diiiseal so th' agad,
O'n a's fada gun siinnt thu,
'S còir do dhùsgadh o d' chadal,
Ma tha t' aire gu dìlinn,
Air do rioghachd a thagradh,
Na leig dhiot 'san droch uair i,
Ma tha cruadal 'na t' aigne.

Gur a mòr an trian sluaigh dhuit,

A bhi 'n uachdar na còrach,

Gu t'athair a dhioghailt,

Air na h-èucoraich dheamhnuidh ;

Ach ma dh' fhairicheas iad faoin thu,

Blas gaoith air do chòmhradh,

Na biodh do chlaidheamh bog staoine,

'N truaill chaoin air a h-òradh.

Nach truagh leat do dhìllsean,
Gach cìll, 's s^, am bheil clachan,
Bhi air an diìbhladh 's na cainbibh,
'S iad fo ainmein fir Shasuinn ;
A bhi aig ursainn na clèire,
An riochd nan rèubal gun bhaisteadh,
Mu sheasamh a chriiin duit,
Bha do dhiichas aig t'aitim.

Tha uaislean na rioghachd,
'Ga 'n giogadh 's na claiseau,
'Deanamh garaidh 's na cùiltean
An deigh an ciiineadh a sgapadh,
Daoine beaga 'rinn cillein,
De shliochd nan scinneirean craicinn ;
An drasda a Pharlamaid riomhach
An dèigh an righ a chur seachad.

Cha 'n fhoghnadh leo t' fhògradh,

Le fòirneart o t'fhearann,

Ach t'ùr bhailte mòra,

Bhì gun chòir aig MacCailein ;

'N uair a fhuair iad fo 'n sgòd thu,

Rinn iad oirnne gniomh allail,

Bha t'fhuil uasal guu fhòtus,

6a dòrtadh mu 'n 'scaffold.'

53

64 THB MACDONALD COLLECTION OF OAELIC POBTBY.

Lamh Dhia leinn a dhaoine,
C'uin a chaoch'laidh's a bheairt so?
'S mòr an sgeul 's an Roinn Eorpa,
Gur i chòir tha 'ga sracadh,
Fhir a cheannaich o thiis sinn,
Cuir a chxiis gu trèun smachdail
Air na Banndairibh brèige,
Binn an èucoir a chleachdadh.

'S maith a's còir dhuinn do ghriosadh,
Fhir is miorbhuilich feartan,
'S a bhi dol air ar glùinean,
Dheanamh ùrnuigh is trasgadh;
Dheanamh ìirnuigh neo-chealgach,
A dhearbhadh gur leat sinn,
A lamh a sgaoileas gach tonn duinn,
Cuir dhuinn Crombal a stalcadh.

Tha na h-amraichean-mùine,

'Togail siuil an cuan farsuing,

Na loingeas dharaich a crionadh,

Dh' òlta fion air an saidse;

Air an tilgeadh air oitir,

As na portaibh a chleachd iad,

Ach ma mhaireas an tuii so,

'S mairg a dh' fhuirich r'a fhaicinn.

Ach nan tigeadh Montròsa,
Air Chòrsa na h-Eirionn;
Tri ficheewi sgìid lòdail
'S buill chorcaich nan srèin riu;
Le 'n ceannabheirtibh òrbhuidh,
Agus òrdugh Righ Sheiu-lais,
Bhiodh an fhaisneachd an òrdugh,
Mar thuirt Tomas an Reumair.

Gur beag mo chuis aighear,
'S mi ag amharc an loistean,
Mi faicinn an righe,
Far na shuidhich iad bòrd duit;
Tha e nis fo ghlèus' chapuU,
Na fheur fada 's na fhòlach,
A threas fàs luibh na machrach,
Ard Mharcus o' Gordon.

BAS MHARCUS HUNDAIDH. DO

Tha 'n roth ri tigh'nn timchioll,
Cho cìnnteach sam pas so,
'S cha bu doimhe le m' inntinn,
Gred a dh' imicheadh e fada ;
Dol a' measg an luchd cuideachd,
A bh' aig murtairean Shasuinn,
A neach a bhuaileas le chuip sibh,
'S trom cudthrom a shlaite.

66 THB MACDONALD COLLBCTIOK OF GABLIC POBTRY.

ORAN DO CHOINNEACH OG, lARLA
SHIPHORT. Le laiu Lom.

A GHAOTH an iar bha air an athar,
Dh' fhaodadh MacCoinnich a gabhail.

Irira o ro i,

I uribh i 's am bo hoidh.

Dh' fhaodadh e seòladh gu Brathain,
Air choite dubh, dionach, domhainn.

Gu bheil mo chion air do chrom-chraos,
Shnamhadh tu mhuir 's i dear-lom-lan.

Coisich thu b' fhearr na na lachainn,
Snàmhaich thu b' fhearr na na cearcau.

Cha b' ann air uisge nan lòban,
A fhuair Coinneach Og a thogail.

Cha b' ann air uisge nan lòban,
Ach bainne cioch nam ban bog-gheal.

Tha caisteal mòr aig MacCoinnich,
An dara ceann dheth shios as talamh,

An dara ceann dheth shìos as talamh,
'S an ceann eile 'n aghaidh an adhair.

Gur a h-e mo ghaol-sa Seumas,

'S iomadh uinneag th' air a sheòmar,

'S iomadh uinneag th' air a sheòmar.
'S biodag dhubh aig fleasgach dòrn-gheal.

SOIRIDH DO'n GHREUMACH. i7

SOIRIDH DO'N GHREUMACH. Le lain Lom.

SoiRiDH do'n Ghreumach tha air mharsal air fògradh,
Ge tamul o laimh e, ta dhàil ri theachd oirnne,
Ge b' e ionad de 'n champa, anns an Spàin no 's an 01»ind,
Aon neach leis am b' àill i, deoch slàinte Mhontròsa.

'Nuair thig Alastair thairis bidh carraid mu earbull,
Naoi mìle fear fallainn, 'gan tarruing thar fairge,
Uidhir eile 'bhi ma' ris, nach mealladh na earbs' e,
De luchd nan ciil geala, 's nan tarruinean dearga.

Ta seirce 'nad ghruaidhean, ta uaisle, ta fèile,
Ta maise Mhic Kigh annt', da ni cha tug geill diot;
Bha tapadh is strì annt', n' ar diobradh each srèin thu;
Dh' fhàg thu falt is fuil bhriìite, mu shìiilibh luchd bèurla,.

'S lionar mac 'chiuneadh t'athar, sheas air faithir gun ghealt-

achd,
'S a rùisgeadh a chlaidheamh, mu 'm faigheadh tu masl»dh ;
Nuair a bheireadh tu ciinnta, bu dìibailt do phacaid,
Bu leat MacGhilleathain, fir Adholl, 's Clann Chattain.

Gu 'n èireadh sud leatsa, ge b' e neach leis am b' olc e,
Clann Laomain, Clann Lachlainn, 's gach neach thig nan

compairt,
Siol Ilpin, Siol Ailpin, an comunn maiseach nach tròchadh,
Eoin Stiubhart o'n Apuinn, Mac-an-Ab a Gleanndòchairt.

Clann Domhnuill nan Seabull, nam bratach, nam pìce»n,
Nan lùirejich, nan clogad, nan ceanna-bheirte rioghail,
Nan gèurlanna glasa, leis an caisgte na strìthean,
Gu 'm b' e aobhar an gearain, gun do reic iad an Righ uaikk.

Clann Domhnuill nam bàtan, 's nan àrd longa luatha,
Ged a tha sibh mar tha sibh, an traths, air an uair »o,
Tha 'n fhuil ri bhi pàite, cha sàl a thug uainn i,
Dia diiileach tha laidir, tha dàil ri bhi 'u u»chd2u:.

58 THE MACDONALD OOLLBCTION OF GABLIC POBTBT.

Is oil leam a chinnte bh' aig larla na fàidheachd,
Gun chaill sibh an fhiachaii, a b' fhearr grìd 'bha 's an àlach,
Sàr mharcaich eich-strìth thu, nach diobradh an àithne,
Lamh thrèin bha gun tuisleadh anns a bhruth am Blàr Afard.

Gur mòr mo chuid èislein, o'n sgeul-s' tha mi clàistin,
Sibh bhi togail 'ur leigeard, ratreut chum na fàsaich,
Thig marcaich a Eirinn, an eirig na dh' fhàg iad,
'6 bi luchd nan each ceumnach ag èigheach a phàrlaidb.

ORAN DO DH' AONGHUS MACDHOMHKUILL NA LEIROB. 59

ORAN DO DH' AONGHUS MACDHOMHNUILL
NA LEIKGE, 'N CINNTIRE.

O! 's tuisleach an nochd a taim,
'S mo chridhe briste bàit am chom,
Ri claistinn an sgeòil nach binn,
Dh' fhag na chluinn gu tiirsach trom.

Shaoil mi 'n darach uthann àrd,
Tarruing 'ur bàrr as a frèumh,
Gu 'n gluaiste 'na creagan dìlinn,
'Nan dìbreadh o'n Leirg do thrèibh.

Mo mhollachd-sa, 's mollachd De,
Anns a chrè do rinn mo ghuin,
'N ionad do chumaidh gu sèimh,
Chaidh spionadh do thrèibh a bun.

O ! 's mairg neach a thug dhaibh spèis,
An gliocas o thrèig do phòr,
'S e mi-rath a dhall do shùil,
'Dol a reic do dhùthch' air òr.

A magha mìn is blaithe fonn,
An cin torach trom gach pòr,
Eadar monadh maol is tràigh,
'M binne bàirich laogh is bhò.

'S binn a maighdeana na buailtibh,
'S binn a' chuach am bàr a tuim,
'S binn an smeòrach nach claon fonn,
'S nuall nan tonn ri slios a fuinn.

A macraidh ghleusta, ghasta, gharg,
A chuireadh gu fearrdha bàir,
Aig do smeideadh mar bu chòir,
Dream nach pilleadh beo le tàir.

^O THE MACDONALD COLLBCTION OF OABLIC POETRT.

'S lionmhor curaidh seasmhach, fial,
Shòir is shior ri teachd nan ceann,
Bha cho dìleas dhuit ri t'fheòil,
Nuair nochte do shròl ri crann.

Sinn a nis mar uain gun aodhair,
Air dian sgaoiloadh feadh nam beann,
Mar shaighde beachan gun bheachd eòlas,
Gun chùltaic, gun ghlòir, gun cheann.

Eadar Allt-Paruig fa dheas,

'S AUt-na-Sionnach 's leat fa thuath ;

Fearann is àille fo 'n ghrèin,

'S duine trèighte thug dha fuath.

Cia 'n riathar easbhuidh 'n deòruidh,
Cia bheir fòirneart gèur fo smachd,
Cia thagras cuis na banntraich,
Ni dion tearmunn do'n bhochd^

Slàn le oineach, slàn le daimh,
Slàn le gràdh, le mìiirn, 's le spèis,
Slàn le mòralachd, 's le suairceas,
Slàn le uaisle 'm feasd a' d' dheigh.

Bu ghlic do chomhairle do chàch,
Do thuigse cò b' fheàrr fo 'n ghrèin,
Ach sean-fhacal fior do lèughas,
Cha leighis an leigh e fein.

Lùchairt corgheal os do chioun,
An riaraichear na slòigh gun dìth,
'M bu chian do onoir is clivi,
Dachaidh ìir gach suairceis.

MARBHIUNN DO DHOMHNULL. 61

MAEBHRANN DO DHOMHNULL Triath Chkim
Raghnuill a chaochail 's a' bhliadhna 1680.

Deireadh do aoibhneas Innse Gall,
Eug aoin-fhir an losgadh lom,
Toiseach cumhaidh gidheadh a th' ann,
Dubhadh ni air feadh nam fonn.

O bhàs fhèinidh fhola Chuinn,
Ni bheil cridhe gun cneadh tinn,
Gun onoir o chàch do 'n chloinn,
Is soirbh gu bràth'ch gabhail an gill.

Mac Eoin Mhùideartaich mhòir mhir,
Giorrad a re is geur mo ghuin,
Is truagh mo thoisg an deigh an fhir,
Do loisg sin m' fheoil agus m' fhuil.

No cha 'n fhacas aon mar e,

Air gasdachd air glaine gnè

Air fèile air feabhas an nì

Sreighe ar righ mo chreach 's a' ehreadh.

Analtra e is oide ar sgoil,
Ar n-antrom a Dhe a dhol !
Do ghoid a shaoghal mo sheagh ;
Ciod ach beud baoghail 'nar bun.

Leomhan e air ghairge ghnìomh,
Ach nach tàgh'ladh ni bu nàr,
Fear cinn aig seòladh na sìth
M' annsachd dion dheoradh is dhàimh.

Leòn air mo chridhe ga chaoidh,

Deòraidh is duine gun ni,

Mise air bhoil' ge b' e mi,

A Dhe mu m' ruire 's mu m' righ !

62 THK MACDONALD OOLLECTION OF OABLIC POBTRT.

Mear a mheann air ghart ghleadh,
Ceann feadhna gun èiteach naimh,
Lamh nach tais 's a' chomhlan chruaidh,
Dòmhnull gu 'm buaidh nam bas bàn.

Air ionchuidh ro dhàimheal an righ,
Airm dh' iomchair o 'n uair do aora,
Bu fhreasdalach air fraoch nam blàr,
Laoch mar mo ghràdh seasmhach saor.

Coinlein bu bhraise 's gach blàr
Bu shoirbhe thaise ri truagh,
Aig-sa an cridhe bu cheart gràdh,
Na luidhe air làr seirc nan suagh.

Eo Seile 's am bradan bras,
Is deireadh nan righ a Ros,
'S o 'n tir siar so nan geann glas,
Mo gheall as is cian do chlos.

lomadh fear an Uidhist fhin,

Agus bean am boile bhròin

Mu 'n triath tha chleith anns a chriadh,

Sgiath nam fiann nach teich o 'n tòir.

Nior bhac DòmhnuII dhom ri dhol
Ni riamh do mhaoidhinn mar mhogh,
Am bearn baoigheil ni bhiodh lemh,
Mo ghrian gheal nach caomhnadh crodh.

MARBHRANN DO'N MHOBAIR DHOMHNULLACH GHLINNBQARADM. 63

MAKBHRANN DO'N MHORAIR DHOMH-
NULLACH aHLINNEGARADH a chaochail
an Duneidean anns a bhliadhna 1680. Le lain
Dubh Maclain 'ic Ailein.

Ge fada nam dhùisg mi,

Aig ro mheud mo dhiubhail,

Cha 'n fhaod mi 'bhi sunndach ag èiridh.

Cha bu truaighe bha Oisein,

An deigh Fhinn agus Oscair,

Na faodainn mo dhochairt a leughadh.

Cha b' 6 bàs mo cheann-cinnidh,

'Bha ga m' chur gu mòr iomairt,

Ach gun mhac a bhi t-ionad nuair dh' èug thu.

Ged a gheibhte dheth d' chàirdean,

Fear a sheasadh an làrach,

Cha chreidear le càch gus am fèudar.

Bho na dhùin iad an talamh,

Air comhstri Mhic Cailein ;

Cò is urrainn a theannachadh srèin ris?

Chum thu Cnòideart dheth 's tuilleadh,

Sluagh an righ air do mhuineal,

'S cha do choisinn iad Muile o d' threun-fhir.

Thog thu màl uaith' a Aros,

A leith Mhic Dhomhnuill 'thug dhà e ;

Ghabh thu seilbh anns an Aird mar an eeudna.

Gleann Laoigh is Locharcaig,

'S daor a phàigh thu e 'n toiseach,

Chum thu dheth iad, ge b' olc fhuair thu 'n oirig.

64 THK MACDONALD COLLBCTION OF OABLTC POBTBT,

Tha mi dearbh gur a fior e,

Air àrd thraoiteir Shiol Dhiarmid,

Sgriob pheann nach d' theid sios air do Shlèibhte.

No gu Domhnull Shiol Ailein,

A leag a ghrunnd air Mac Cailein ;

Cha bu Ghuimhneach thu 'n carraid Righ Shèurlaig.

Leigte lagh leat 's an t-annlagh,
Cò a b' urrainn dheth d' ranntar?
'S misde mise san am so Dunèidean.

Rinn Mac Shimi na h-Airde,

Ri Mac Coinnich Chintaile,

Mòr cheangal gu sàthadh le cheil' ort.

Nuair a chunnaic an càirdean,

Nach b' urrainn iad do thàradh,

Thogair sgur, 's gur e b' fhearr leo 'bhi rèidh riut.

Ach a Sheumais Oig Stiubhart,
Bha comhstri mu d' chriinadh,
Chaill thu ball a thaobh cùlaobh do sgèithe.

Chaill thu caraid cho dìleas,

S a bha agad na d'rioghachd,

Fhad 's a b' urrainn a dhichioll 'na d' eirigh.

Fhir a chuir a chruaidh-stàilinn,

Nach fuasgladh do nàmhaid,

Air a chnuaic sin do 'n tàrladh e 'n èura.

'S ann mu chòcaireachd t' athar,

Ghabh e fògradh ri grathuinn

Air stòras cha ghabhadh tu rèitean.

'S iomadh òganach prìseil,

A chaidh seachad 'san tìm sin,

Do Chlann Domhnuill Chinntire, 's na h-Eirionn.

Raonull Og an fhuilt chlannaich,

Fear m' ainme 's mo charaid,

A fhuair bàs an Aird Rainich, 's b'e m beud e

MARBHRAXN DO'n MHORAIR DHOMHNULLACH GHLINNEGARADn. 65

Agus Connsbunn deas fearail,

A bha uainu air thìis deannail,

Dh' fhag sibh shios e na laidhe gun èiridh.

Le briathrachas Dheòrsa

Bhristeadh mìltich Chlanu Domhnuill,

Chunnaic Criosda gan leon iad 's an eucoir.

Ge bu chruaidh leam an sgrìob sin,

'S e dh' fhàg truagh mi gu dìlinn,

Am fear a fhuair a cheann crìch an Dunèidean.

66 THK MACDONALD COLLECTION OK OAELIC POETRt.

ORAN DO'N PHIOBAIRE MAC-A-

GHLASRAICH.

Le Mac 'ic Raonuill iia Ceapaich.

'S MÒR a bhlcid is an ràbhart,
A rinn Blàirein do ghoistidh,
'Cur nan Guinueach an àirdead,
'S mòr a b' fhearr leam fo 'r cois iad ;
Gun tugamaid blàr dhaibh,
An èirig làraichean loisgte,
Chuireadh faobhar nan greidlein,
Gu freasdal an cas iad.

Ach cuid de 'n achuing' a dh' iarruinn,

'S a Chriosda maith dhomhs' e,

Commission o 'n Righ dhuinn,

'Se bhi sgriobhte nar pòca,

A h-uile fear is Caimbialach

'S na bha dh'iarmad air Domhuull,

'Dhol an giuraibh a chèile,

Le gèur lannaibh gorma.

'S ge b' e dheanadh an èucoir,

No lèughadh a ghealtachd,

Dheth bha shliochd Ghillebhrid' ann,

Dia 's an rigE a chur as da ;

Ged a tha mi leth-bhreòite,

Mo chuid de 'n chòmhraig cha seachnaiun,

No na mhcal mi am muineal,

Ris 'n do chuir mi 'n diugh acfhuiun.

'S maith a dh' èireadh ort òran,

'S i do thòn bu mhòr breaghadh

Blàth na brìc' anns an t-sròin ort,

'S iomadh fròg a tha t-aghaidh,

Tha thu chinneadh nam mealitair,

Nau Cealgan, 's nan Spleaghan,

Chaidh an ceann dheth 'r n àrd thraoiteir,

Chum an fhoill treis air adhart.

UURT GflLINNE-COTHANN. 67

MURT GHLINNE-COTHANN. Le lain Lom.

Nam faighinn mai' dh' iaruinn,

Air sliochd Dhiarmaid na ròice,

'Sgrios gun duilleach, gun iarmad,

Air gach siochair' tha beo dhiubh ;

Gun aon duine 'bhi làthair,

De na thàinig dheth 'n t-seòrs' ud,

Gus am biodh an cuid àitibh,

Aig mo chàirdean, Clann Domhnuill.

'Nam bu mise 'b' fhear òrduigh,

Air a' mhòran a bh' aca,

Dh' fhàgainn uil' Eraghaidheal,

Aig Ràghnull na Ceapaich ;

'S na bh' aig Morair Bhreidalbain,

'Bhi 'm paipairean glaiste,

Aig Mac 'ic lain o'n lonaid

An dèigh gach sgioradh a bh' aca.

Cha bu mhòr leam sud dhàsan,
Bho 'n ghràisg bha cur as da,
Binn am murt ri aon oidhche,
Leis an fhoill a bha peacach ;
Leam is duilich ri ràdha,
Gun d' rinn am Bràideach dhuit taice,
'Nam bu mhise b' fhear binn ort
ChaiU thu cinnteach an craicionu.

Cha'n fhàgar Fear Achatriachatan,
'N diochainn 's cha b' airidh,
Chuirinn sios e do Chòmhal,
Bhiodh caoirich mhòr ann gu ro-mhath;
Na bh' aig Mac 'ic lain Riabhaich,
Eadar grian agus gealach,
Bhìodh do chòraichean sgriobhta,
'S lamh an Righ ris ga cheangal.

68 TUE WACUONALIJ CULLKCTIUN OV GAKLIC l'OBTnT.

Nam faighinn 'ur càradh,

Mar a b' àill leam, san fhearann,

Bhithinn toilicht' am nàdur,

Ged a dh' fhàgte mi falamh ;

Ged thigeadh am bàs orm,

A màii'each le cabhaig,

Cha 'n iarrainn tuilleadh de 'n t-saoghal,

Ach faoilte do m' auam.

ORIX LE OILLKASBUIG N'A CEAPAICH ATK r.RAr.A BTTATS. 69

ORAN LE GILLEASBUIG NA CEAPAICH
AIR LEABA BHAIS.

Sgriobh le toscaire bile,

'Theid air choiseachd a shireadh dhomh lèigh,

Tha mo chorp air a mhilleadh,

Le bàrr brosnaich is giorag ro 'n èug.

An àite rosguil is mire,
Tha osnaich ag imeachd mo chlèibh,
Chuir na dorsa so shil oirnn,
Reir coslais an giorrad mo rè.

Cràiteach, gle phian-mhor,

So dh' fhàg mi gu h-iargaineach tìnn,

Tha còrr is dà bhliadhna,

O na thàrmaich so 'n giallaibh mo chìnn.

Tha 'ra bàrr s' orm air liathadh,
Chaidh m' àbhaist an diosg orm ro thìm,
Leig tharum gach fòbheaid
'S mo m' air' air cuach-Phàdruig 's air ìm.

'S maith mo dhòigh a Mac Muire,
Thaobh aithreachais chuir orm cràdh,
'S mòr sòlas a' chruinne,
On la dhòirteadh ieat t-fhuil air ar sgàth.

Dùisg a t' oircheum, treig mùlad,

'S obair oircheis so dh' fhuiling thaobh gràidh,

On la thòirleum Dia 's duine,

Mar thoircheas am broinne na mnà.

Air m' uilinn, 's mi 'm èigin,

Tha mo mhuineal is m' fheithean 'gam chlaoidh,

'S dlùth a cruinneachadh dhèur mi,

On chaidh m' fhulang thar rèusan le caoidh.

70 THB MACDONALD OOLLBCTION OF OABLIC POBTRT.

Tha Mac Muir' air a chèusadh,

Cuir do mhuinighin gu trèun ann a chaoidh ;

A thnù dhuine nach lèir dhuit,

Gur fulang maith èifeachdach saoidh?

Ach a dhiorais ana-ceilidh,
Pan dhiom is grad thrèig mi, tog ort ;
Oir neo striochdam do 'n teugmhail,
Bhuin cìs dhiom an eirig rao lochd.

Le aithreachas dèurach,

A ghlanadh gach bèud a ta 'm' chorp;

A Chriosd' iiraich rium rèite,

Tog dhiom do sgiurs ghèur, 's i gle ghoirt.

G«d a chàirear dhomh leaba,
Cha 'n fhèudar leam cadal no clos;
'S ann is eigin bhi 'm shuidhe,
Càradh bhreidein is luibhean ri m' lot.

'Mi leughadh mo chunnairt,

Chaidh m' èibhneas gu mulad, 's gxi sproc,

Chaidh an t-èug is mi 'n cumasg,

'S làn chrèuchd tha mo mhuineal gle ghoirt.

DBOCH-SLAfNTB MHIC '[C RAONUII,L-COLT;A NA CEAPAICH. Tl

DEOCH-SLA.INTE MHIC 'IC RAONUILL-

COLLA NA CEAPAICH.

Le Aonghus DomhnuUach (Mac Alastair Ruaidh).

Deoch slàinte Mhic 'ic Raonuill,
Cha 'n fhaod mi gun a h-òl ;
Deoch slàinte 'n fhir ghaolaich
Ris an glaodhar Coll' Og;
Ach ma tha thu gu h-iosal,
Druim na rioghachd a'd' thòir,
A Mhic Muire nan gràsan,
Do thigh'nn sàbhailte beò.

Ur mhacan na fèile,

Bu ghlèusd air an tòir,

An robh misneach is cruadal,

'Nam bualadh nan sròn;

'Bhi togail gach tìre

'S bochd an lìnn thainig oirnn,

'S gun thu againn ri fhaotainn,

'S do dhaoin' air an leòn.

Theann Lachlainn ri d' dhiobradh,
'S tu d' fhior leanabh òg,
Gu 'n do spàrr e thu 'm priosan,
Air ghaol do dhiobradh o d' chòir;
Dh' òrduich Dia as a lion thu,
Dh' aindeoin iarbhuil a sheòil
Gun do chum thu ris diorras,
Gus 'n do dh' ìslich thu shròn.

Leig thu as e gu suairce,

Dh' fheuchainn uaisle 's a mhèin,

lochd dha anam gun d' fhuair e,

'S cha b' ann le cruadal a laimh ;

Ach 'nuair fhuair e neart rioghachd,

Feadh do thìre gun dàil,

Pear na Fearsaid, 's Fear Innse,

Thug e rìs leis air laimb.

72 THE MAOIX)NALD OOLLECTION' OF OAELIC POETIIY.

Righ ! bu neimh-chiontach iadsan,

'S an t-arbhar mòr beud,

Rinn sibh glacadh is marbhadh,

Gu dearbh, oir leibh fèin :

'Liuthad buiUe mòr claidhimh

Gun athadh fo 'n ghrèin,

A bhuail sibh 's a choirce,

'S b' fheàrr an cosnadh ri fèum.

'S fad a lean sibh au sgrìob ud,
Leag sibh miltean de shluagh,
Dà la taobh Ghlinne-Spiathain,
'S da bhial Ghlinne Ruaidh ;
Air fear chosnadh 'ur dvithcha,
Rinn sibh dioghaltas truagh,
Ceauu na diasaig a ghearradh,
Air son na fala bha uaibh.

Thairg thu cumha dhomh 's ceannach,

Thairg thu bannan gu leòr,

Urras dionach gu toileach,

Gun d' thairg thu onoir Mhic Leòid;

Cha ghabhte uat cìs,

'Dh' fhaoidte sgrìobhadh le còir,

Gun a Cheapach thoirt dhàsan,

Mar ghràinsich gu stòr.

Ach 's fhad o stad ann do shinnsreadh,

B' e fàth na strìthe a bh' ann,

Tha m' earlaid an Criosda,

Nach ceann crìch air an t-am ;

Ged a tha thu gu h-iosal,

Anns na rioghachdan thall,

Gun staidhlear a Cheapach,

Do Mhac Ghilleasbuig nan lann.

Ach mur faic mi gu bràth thu,

'S gur geàrr mo laithean ro 'n tìm,

Dia thoirt m' anam gu Pàrras,

'S Righ nan Gràs thoirt dhomh dion ;

Cuid de 'n achuing' a dh' iarruinn,

A Thriath is a Chriosd,

Thusa ChoUa na fèile,

Thigh'nn le rèite o'n righ.

DEOCH-SLAINTE MHIC IC RAOXUILL-COLLA NA CEAPAICII.

Gred a dheanainn fein gàire,

Righ ! 's bàit' e measg sluaigh,

Ged a dheanainn fèin sìigradh,

O chridhe brùite thig f uaim ;

Ged a chàirear dhomh leaba,

Cha 'n fhaigh mi cadal no suain

Gus an cluinn mi do thighinn

A chonnspuinn dhlighich Ghlinnruaidh.

74 THB MACDONALD OOLLBCTFON OP OAELIC POBTRT.

LATHA RAONN-RUAIIIIDH. 1689.
Le Aonghus Domhnullach (MacAlastair Ruaidh).

'S e do làth'-sa Raoin-Ruairidh,
Dh'fhag luaineach mo dhiìsgadh,
Mheud 's a thuit de Chlann Domhnuill,
'S cha leòint a thaobh cùil iad ;
Toirt a mach an ratrèuta,
Cosnadh cèutaidh le diubhail,
'S ge bu thearnadh gu lèir dhaibh,
Bha bàs Chleabhars ri chunntais.

'N leoghann fulangach rioghail,
Nach d' rinn an fhirinn a mhùthadh,
Cha robh fàilling na d' chruadal,
Chuir thu 'n ruaig air na Dùbhghaill ;
Cha tugadh òr ort, no eagal,
Gun seasamh ri d' chumhnant ;
'S ma thuit thu le onoir
'S ann do dhonus na cùise.

Og sgiobalta suairc thu,

Sàr bhuachaiir an treud thu,

'Gan cumail a gàbhadh,

Toirt dhaibh àit' air an rèidhlean;

'S tu nach cuireadh ri ball' iad,

A dh' aindeoin no dh' eiginn,

Dh' innis Latha Dunchaillein,

Nach robh anam an Cleabhars.

Och! a Dhomhnuill nan Domhnull,
'S òg a fhuair thu do dheuchainn,
'S iomadh bean umad brònach,
Eadar Tròtarnis, 's Sleibhte,
Gu bheil cinneadh mòr t-athar,
, 'S iad 'nan luidhe gun èiridh,
Luchd bhualadh nam buillean,
A^n feadh 's a dh' fhuirich au t-eug uatb.

LATHA RAONN-RUAIRIDH. 75

Ach a Chaìptin Chlann Ràghaill,
€red a tha thu a'd' leanaibh,
Og maiseach, glan, ùr thu,
Dol ri diichas nan seanar ;
Sud na Domhnullaich thrèuna,
Dha nach d' èirich riamh breamas,
O ghin o Shomhairl' air tùs iad,
Cha d' fhuaras diumbadh no sgannal.

A Thighearn Oig Ghlinnegarradh,
Luidh smal air do shùgradh,
'S mòr do chall ri Righ Seumas,
Ged a dh' èigheadh a' d' dhiuc thu ;
Dh' fhag thu Domhnull Gorm gaolach,
'S fhuil chraobhach a' brùchdadh,
'S èigin fhulang na thàinig,
ChaiU thu d' bhràthair na ùr ròs.

Fear curanta seolt' e,
Craobh chòmhraig ro chèud e,
Fear mòr bu mhaith cumadh,
Bh' aig gach duine na spèuclair ;
Ged thug ro mhèud do nàduir,
Braise, 's ài'dau le chèile,
Ort gun athadh bhi d' phearsa,
Oigfhir ghasta na fèile.

'S truagh gun chomus relìbha,

Thoirt d' ar n-islibh, 's d' ar n-uaislibh,

Thuit air aghaidh gach duine,

Nì gun chumadh 's an uair sin ;

'S ann roimh d' fhraoch a bha'n cùram,

Ged bha diubhail is call ann,

Fhuair thu earalas cliuiteach,

Ort a dhiibladh na rancan.

Mo chreach nach robh iad ga d' dhùbladh,

Do luchd mùirn is do chàirdibh,

Air an tarruing mu 'n comhair,

Fir Ghlinnecomhann, 's a Bhràighe;

'N tiis an latha ghil sholuis, ,

Chit' am folluis gach fàillein,

'S na bheil beò Shliochd nan Colla,

'Dhiol pronnadh ar càirdean.

76 THB MACDONAU) COIJiRCTION OP GAEMC POETRT.

Gur e mheudaich mo champar,

A liuthad bauntrach tha 'd dhùthaich,

Agus òganach treubhach,

Nach d' èigheadh am pùsadh ;

Thuit le luaidhe 's an am ud,

Bualadh lann, 's cha bu shìigi*adh,

Thoirt a mach an adbhansa

'S cha do shanntuich sibh cùbadh.

Innseam sgèul nan tri truaighean,

Mo chreach uaislean Chinntìre,

Tighearn òg sin na Learguinn,

'S bochd 's is searbh bhi 'ga ìnnse;

Chaill thu 'n taoiteir maith fial ann,

'S bu chuis iargain a chaoidh e,

'S e air tuiteam 's an dòlum,

'S bu duin' òg 's an robh brigh e.

Gun duin' a' blii t' àite,

'S gun do bhràthair ach leanabh,

'S gun neach a' bhi làthair,

De na thainig o d' sheanair;

Sud an tora a bha uasal,

Do nach d' fhuaras riamh sgannal,

A bha fiughantach rioghail,

Air dol sios mar an rainneach.

Bha Domhnull, 's bha Seumas,
'S iad gun èirigh on churaasg,
Mo chreach leii' mar a dh' èirich,
'M fear bu lèighe cha d' fhuirich ;
Dhaibh bu dual a blii trèubhach,
Bho 'n athair fèin thar gach duine,
Beirt bu mheasa na chèile,
Ri leigheas lèigh cha d' rinn fuireach.

Clann Domhnuill on luras,
'S iad gu fiughantach glèusda,
Do 'm bu dual a bhi tapaidh,
'N am glacadh nan geur-lann ;
A' bhi dol air 'ur n-adhart,
Ann an aghaidh nan cèudan,
Thoirt a mach na buaidh-làraich,
Mar bu ghnàth leibh gun èislein,

IJITHA HAONN-RUAIKIJUH. 77

Thuit mac Dhomhuuill 'ic Aileiu,
'S gu 'm bu bharraiche tìr e,
'S triuir iar-ogh 'ic Raouuill,
Air au taobh, 's mòr mo dhiobhail;
Bha thu dìleas mar shaoil leam,
Do ua daoiue chaidh sios leat,
Fleasgach suairce, caomh, ceanalt,
B' fhior fhearail ua thìm e.

C'àite bheil iad 'sau rioghachd,
De fhuil dhileas au ceart uair,
Au taobh-sa Chlauu Domhnuill,
'N Alba 'n Eiriuu, uo 'n Sasuinn;
Ach na bheil de Chlaun Chamshroin,
Clauu Ghilleoiu, is Clanu Neachdaiu,
Ma' ri Adhol, le dùrachd,
'S mac lain Stiubhart ua h-Apuiun.

A Shir Eoghaiun ou Chorpaich,
'S e do dhochuuu uach iarruiun,
Bha do challa gun bhuiuig,
Càch uile ga t' iargaiu ;
Mheud 's a bhuilich au Righ ort,
Cha bu ui e nach b' fhiach thu,
'S ged a gheibheadh tu bàrr air,
'S daor a phàigh thu e 'm bliadhua.

O'u a thog thu 'u cheud chlaidheamh,
Gun athadh, gun fhàiling,
Bu mhòr do chuid tionusgail,
An aghaidh Chrombail is Lambert;
ChaiU thu 'u tìm siu do dhaoiue,
Aun an aobhar E,igh Tearlach,
'S mòr am beud do Righ Seumas,
Nach 'eil thu fèin mar a bha thu.

'N tra tharruing na Gaidheil,
Gu h-àrd air a bhruthach,
'Dol an coiuneamh a' uàmhaid,
Bu neo-sgàthach a bhuidheann;
Mheud 's a bh' anu aig Mac Cai,
Luchd a chàil, is a bhrudhaist',
'Nuair a thòisich an làmhaich,
Sud am pràbar 'nau siubhal.

78 THB MACDONALD COLLECTION OF OAELIC POrTRY.

Ach Fhir Airde Seile,

*S mòr do dheireas do 'm fcachdaibh,

ChaiU thu bràthair, maith, ciatach,

Diol larla do mhacaibh ;

lad fèiu 's fir a' Bhraiglie,

Bhi 'gam marbhadh ri caibteal,

Le diobhail deagh cheaunard

'S gun a naimhdean 'ga fhaicinn.

Tha Taoiteir na h-Apuinn,

Fo airtneal, is bi'òn air,

Tha liunn-dubh air, air drìidhadh,

Fo dhùnadh a chòta;

'S e 'g iargaiu mu bhràithreau,

'S gu 'm b' iad na h-àilleagaiu bhòidhcach,

Ged thug ro-mheud au aighir,

Orra 'n la ud bhi gòrach.

Chaill thu roimhe do dhaoine,
Ann an aobhar a bhràthar,
On la thriallar gu Fiun thu,
B' aun an iomairt, 's an àilghios;
'S iomadh spealga dhaoiu' uasal,
Làn cruadail, is tabhachd,
Hachadh sios leat do d' chiuneadh,
O'n la ghineadh gu bàs dhuit.

Fear comhnaidh a mhu-ath,

B' e Mac Ghilleathain a Duairt,

Air son call mhic 'ic Eoghainn,

Cha 'u fhoghnadh ach tilleadh ;

Chuir e ìmpidh air Canuon,

'S luchd uam machraicheau gallda,

Nach deanta leo tuaireap,

Dh' fhag siu giuaim air Claun Domhuuill.

'S truagh an sluagh siuu air thaiamh,
Guu bhaile gun bhuachaill',
Sinn feiu, 's luchd ar mi-ruu,
Is sinn ciuuteach 'uar cruadal;
Chite cò a bhiodh smiorail,
Anu an iomairt nan Claidhncan,
Bodaich machair' a' bhuachair,
No 8Ìol uas»l uau Gai'bh-chrioch.

LATHA RAONN-RUAIRIDH. 79

Cha b' ann le iomairt nan Claidhnean,
Fhuair na Gaidheil an leònadh,
'S iad nach do chleachd seasamh,
An taic balla mar chòmhdach ;
Mar rinneadh 'n Dunchailein,
Thuit na gallain, 's b' e 'm bròn e,
Bhi 'gan leagadh le luaidhe,
'S gun tilgeadh buachaiUean bhò i.

Rinn Bailechan 's a bhràthair,

Mòr àr aig Raonruaridh,

Is an Gall mòr Pitchur,

Gus an d' aimis an luaidh e ;

Bha uaislean eil' ann bha tapaidh,

As na machraichean gallda,

Lean an iorghuill ni b' fhaide,

'Nan robh Caiptin 's a' champa.

Bha fir Adhol 's an uair sin,

Gun an uachdaran leotha,

Bha gach finn' air gach taobh dhiubh,

Air toirt an aont' do Phrionns' Orange ;

Fir na h-Appuin, 's Strathardail,

Da 'm bu ghnàth a bhi dionach,

Do 'n fhuil rioghail bu dligheach,

Na faiceadh iad shios i.

'S mor an galair 's a mulad,
O cheud thuiteam ar sinnsear,
Gu bheil an sliochd uile,
Ach tearc, gun duine dhòibh dìleas ;
'Nan do mhothaich ua Gaidheil,
Gun robh 'n fheall anus na Cruinnich,
Cha robh 'n caidrimh ri coigrich,
Riamh o thoiseach na strìthe.

Tha cleamhnas ri coigrich,

'Na mhòr dhosguinn, 's 'na dhòruiun,

Mar a chì sinn, 's an am so,

Ann san fheall ri Prionns' Orange;

Rinn e gniomh tha mi-nadurr',

Air brathair mathar 's athair-cèile,

Nuair ghlac e crùn nan tri rioghachd,

'S ann air an Righ rinn e 'n èucoir.

80 TME MACDONALI) COl H 'AKI.ir I'OKIUV.

Cha 'n 'eil e ceadaicht' dhuinn claonadh,

No 'n righ saoghalta mhiichadh,

'S gur e 'n t-oighre fior dhligheach,

O'n a ghineadh o thùs e ;

Cha 'n fhaod deifir an creidinih,

No neo-chreidinih ar tàladh,

'S guu ùghdaravS laghail,

Is gniomh foilleil dhuinn àicheadh.

Chi sinn mar dh'èiiich 'Clann Israel,
Nuair a thrèig iad Rehoboam,
Ach trèibh Bheniamin, 's luda,
Dhlùthaich ris, mar bu chòir dhoibh ;
Na deich treubhan rinn àicheadh,
Dh' àicheidh Dia mar an ceudna,
Nuair rinn iad righ dh' leroboam,
Am fog'rach feallsail uiac Nebafc.

Gur h-oiUteil an samhla,

Do Bhreatuinn, 's do dh' Eirinn,

Ri linn Chrombail a dhòirt oirnn,

Moran òrduighean aoraidh ;

E fein 's a luchd-leaumhuinn,

'S i gheur-leanmhuinn a leugh iad,

'S o'n a fhuair sinu ar saorsa,

Gur ni faoin e gu 'u gèill sinn.

Buidheauu ghasta a' chruadail,
Do 'm bu dual a' bhi trèubhach,
Ann an cogadh Righ Tearlach,
'S anns a bhlàr le Righ Seumas;
Ged a fhuair sibh 'ur dochann,
'S 'ur plodadh le pràbar,
'S olc a fhuaireadh fir Adhol,
Deireadh 'n latha 'ur n-àicheadh.

Ach cha d' riuu iad 'iu- n-àicheadh,
'S cha do thàr iad 'sa bheachd ud,
Ged a bha iad 's an am-sa,
Gun chomanndairean aca;
Nam biodh an t-Iarla, no bhràthair,
Mar a b' àbhaist, fo 'm brataich,
Dheanta scaradh air gàrlaoich,
'S air luchd uam bàrlagan daite.

r.ATHA RAONX-RUAIRIDH. 81

Chuir na Gaidheil dhiubh 'm breacain,
Os cionn geata Raonruairidh,
Cha robh claidhimh an duille,
'S cha robh biodag an truaill ann,
Nach robh smuacadh nan claignean,
Agus stracadh nan guaillean,
'Toirt an deatacha feasgair,
Do luchd nan casagau ruadha.

A Thighearn oig Ghlinnegarradh

Gu 'm bu bharraich air chàch thu,

Le do chlaidhimh, maith, leathan,

'S mairg a dh' fheitheadh ri stràc dheth;

'S mairg a thàrladh mu'n cuairt duit,

'Nam tuasaid do laimhe,

Bho Latha Raonruairidh,

Cha d' fhuaras do chàirdeas.

Cha lean mi fein air ui 's faide,
Gun fhios an tuig mi no 'n lèir dhombs
Mar bu chòir dhomh ath-philleadh,
Ri mo chinneadh mòr buadhach ;
Ach gur lionmhor ad' srachta,
Bha mu gheata Raonruairidh,
Agus Gaidheal, gun bhreacan,
A ruith fir casaige ruaidhe.

82 THI MAODONALD OOLLBCTION OF OAELIO POBTBT.

LAOIDH a rinn Sius Nighean Mhic Raonuill
na Ceapaich d'a fear 's da nighinn air dhoibh
caochladh.

'S MOR mo mhulad 's mi m' aonar

'S mi m' shuidh' ann a' seomar gun luaidh,

'S nach faic mi tigh 'n dhachaidh

Fear chumail mo chleachdaidh a suas;

Fear a dh'fhadadh mo theine

'S a dh' èigheadh ga<;h deireas a nuas :

O'n chaidh sibh an tasgadh,

'S goirt a chanchlaidh mo chraicionn a slinuadh.

'S tric mo shuilcan ri dòrtadh,

O'n a thug iad thu Mhòirchlaicli ;i suas.

'S nach faic mise 'n t-aite

'S 'n do chuir iad mo ghrcàdh-s' anns aii uaigh.

Dh' fhag sibh Ann' aig a' bhaile,

'S bi mise 'ga ghearainn gu cruaidh ;

'Sior amharc a bhad

Aig 'n do chuir iad i falach gu buan.

'S mor mo mhulad 's mo chìiram,

'N uair a shileas mo shiìilean gu làr,

Nach 'eil spiorad na h-iimhlachd,

Ann a'm' thaice 'g am ghiulan ni 's feàrr;

Gu dol air mo ghlùinean,

'S 'g 'ur liubhairt do Phrionnsa nan gràs;

O'n tha sgeula ro chinnteach

Gu bheil sinn uile fo chìs aig a' bhàs.

Cha 'n ann gu tighinn a rithisd

Chaidh cuideachd mo chridhe-sa uam,

Gus a ruigear leam iadsan,

Cha 'n fhaicear leam iad gu la luain.

O nach tiU air 'ur n-ais duibh,

Ach 'ur cnamhan air seachdadh 's an uaigh;

Bigh dean iochd ris an anam

CrVL comunn nan aingeal tha shuas !

LAOTDH. 83

'S beag mo ghnothuich ri fèilltibh,

No dh' amharc na rèise ri m' bheò ;

No m' aighear ri daoine ;

Chaidh mo chuid-sa dhiubh uile fo 'n fhòd :

O'n a dh' fhalbh iad le chèile,

An dithis nach trèigeadh mi beò ;

Righ thoir dhomhsa bhi leughadh

Air an aithreacheas gheur a bh' aig lòb.

'N uair thig latha na Bràth'ch,

'S bhios na trompaidean àghmhor 'gan seinn,

'S thig Criosd as a' chathair,

Ghabhail cunntais is taiche de chloinn ;

Bi na gobhair 's na caoirich

An sin air gach taobh dheth 'gan roinn,

'S mairg a theid anns an teine

Nach teirig 's nach dealaich ri 'n druim.

Gheibh na caoirich an deas-lamh,
'S na gobhair am feasd an lamh chlì,
'S 'nuair bhios Criosd a' toirt breith,
"Thigibh dhachaidh a chlann a rinn sith,
Gu righeachd 'ur n-Athar,
Far nach cluinn sibh ach aighear gun strìth ;
Sgriosar sios a chuid eile,
Do 'n teine nach teirig a chaoidh."

Gloir thoir do Mhac Muire,

Thug a ghibht domh gu 'n d' fhuiling mi leòn ;

Thug de bhròn 's de leann-dubh dhomh,

Gus 'n do theirig de m' fhuil agus m' fheòil,

Gus an tigeadh mo Shlan'fhear,

A rithist 'gam' shabhaladh beò :

Righ glac m' anam an là ud,

'S thoir suas e gu cathair a cheoil !

84 THIC MACOONALD COIXBCTION OF OABLIC POWTRT.

LAOIDH DAINGNEACHAIDH.

Dhe cruthaich mi gun chàileachd,
Daingnich mo creidimh 's dean làidir ;
Orduich aingeal de 'n tha 'm Pàrras;
Coinneamh ghahhail a' m' fhàrdaich,
'G a'm theasraiginn o gach buaireadh,
Tha droch shluagh a' cur a' m' charaibh ;
Chriosd a dh' fhuiling do cheusadh
Caisg na bèistean 's bi fein ma' rium.

Cha 'n ioglinadh mi bhi fo smaointinn
'Nam dhomh dol daonnan a' m' leaba,
Eiridh na clachan "s na caoban,
Cia inar a gheibh naomh an cadal?
Bi mi gun fhois no gun sàmhchair;
Grun chlos no gun tàmh gu maduinn,
Fhir tha an cathair nan gràsan,
Paic mo chàramh 's bi d'gheard agam.

Gloir is buidheachas do 'n Athair

Theasairg e fhathast mi sàbhailt,

Ged a bhios clachan is maidean

A' sior bhagairt anns gach am orm.

Mur biodh d' aingle-sa orm timchioll,

'Gam dhion bho lionaibh a' mhèirlich,

'S ciunteach gu 'n cuireadh e orm buaireadh,

Is nach fuasglainn gun do ghràsan.

Tha mi 'n trath so trom fo imcheist,

'S iomadh seanachas th' orm 's gach dùthaich ;

Deir pairt dhiubh, " bha e ri eucoir

'S ann na dheigh fein a tha chìiis ud."

Na toir breith ach mar is lèir dhuit,

Ged a tha Mac Dhe 'ga m' dhùsgadh;

Cha 'n 'eil fhios a modha thoill mi,

Na fear saibhir tha gun chiiram.

liAUlDH DAINGNEACHAlUfl. 85

Ged tha trioblaid anns an am s' orm,

'S cinnt gu 'm faigh mi paidheadh dùbailt,

'Nuair a thig orm gairm bho m' Shlàu'fheai'

Gheibh mi blàths is grasan ùra:

Cha 'n eagal domh tuilleadh bruaidhlein

'Nuair bhios mi shuas ma' ri d' naoimh-sa,

Fhir tha 'nad'shuidh' air a' chathair,

Cuidich mo labhairt 's gabh m' urnuigh.

Ach a Dhe dean mise cuimhneach
Latha 's a dh'oidhche bhi 'g ùruuigh,
'G iarraidh maitheanas le caoimhneas,
Anns na thoill mi air mo ghlùinean.
Càirich le spiorad na firinu
Aithreachas glan cinnt am ghruund-sa,
'Nuair chuireas tu am bàs 'ga m' iarraidh
Gu'n gabh Criosda dhiom-sa curam.

Hè THB MACDONALD COLLECTIOX OF GABLIC POETRT,

ORAN DO DH' ALASTAIR DUBH
GHLINNEGARADH.

GrUR a fada mi m' chadal,

'S gur a mithich dhomh dùsgadh,

Tha mu chrìch Ghlinnegaradh,

Aobhar ghearain mo chùise;

'S ann an Eaglais Chillfhionain,

Tha lamh dhioladh nan crùintean,

Oighre dleasannach Ile,

'S gur a diobhail da dhiithaich.

A laoich uasail na fèile,
Ceannard feisde, 's luchd ealaidh,
Tha do chlàrsach gun rìisgadh,
'S do luchd ciuil air au sgaradh ;
Tha t' aitreamh guu chòmhdach,
'S gun seòl air do bhaile,
Cha b'e 'n cladhaire sgàthach,
Dalt ud bràthair mo sheanar.

Ach Alastair chliuitich,

Bho thùr Ghliuuegaradh !

Cha tug larla no Diuca,

Riamh cùis dhiot a dh' aindeoin;

Lànih sgapadh an airgid,

A chuireadh fearg aii' Mac Cailein,

'S mòr an call do Righ Seumas,

Nach d' èirich thu fallain.

'S e 'n cliu a fhuair thu bho thoiseach,

'S cha b' olc e ri innse' ;

Gur craobh chosgairt 's a' bhlàr thu,

Nach gabh sgàth ro luchd phìcean;

No luchd chòtaichean dearga,

Ge b' armailt an righ iad,

Lg d' lasgairean fuiieach,

Le 'n guunaichean cinnteach.

ORAN DO DH' ALASTAIR DUBH GHLINNEGARADH. 87

'S tu oighre dligheach Mhic Dhomhnuill,
'Gan robh còir air leth Albainn,
Lamh bhualladh nam buillean,
'S tu b' urrainn dha 'n dearbhadh ;
Cha robh bàrr aig mac duin' ort,
A thaobh cumaidh no dealbha,
'S ged a theirinn a thuilleadh,
'S tu b' urrainn 'ga dhearbhadh.

C'àit' am facas an Albainn,
Fear àbhaist do bhèusan,
Air mhaiseachd 's air dhealbhachd,
Air chàileachd, le treine?
Fear a sgoltadh gach cùis thu,
Cha bu mhùgh ort a rèiteach,
'S air bheulthaobh an lagha,
Gur e do fhradharc bu ghèire.

'S gur a truagh tha do bhràithrean,
A' dol a'd' chlàrsaid, 's a'd' chlòsaid,
Mu'n Alastair phrìseil,
Chuireadh strìth air Righ Seoras;
Cha robh dìuc ann an Albainn,
Air nach dearbhadh tu chòmhstri,
Fhir is àrdanach aigneadh,
Bu tu Abaid Chlann DomhnuiU.

'Nuair bu shuidhe aig bòrd dhuit,
Cha bu dòlum do lèirsinn,
Bhiodh fuaim seachad air phìosan,
'S an tùr an tìllte na cèudan :
Ceum rioghail air faich' thu,
Nach robh airceach no èigneach,
'S gur bochd smuaintean do chinnidh,
Bhi 'dol 's an ionad an d' èug thu.

'S gu bheil ùrnuigh nan càirdean,
Leat gu Pàrras, le diirachd,
Gur mòr an iondrainn am bliadhna,
Dhuinn nach iarradh tu cìinntaa :
Solus soills' anns a' chathair,
'Bhi deanamh rathaid, is iuil duit,
Mo cheud beannachd le t' anam,
Bho 'n is aingeal 's a' chviirt thu.

88 THE MACnONALD CX)IXBCT10N OF GAEMC POKTRV,

'S mi 'dol seachad Cillfhianain,
Gnr trom ìuntinneach m' aigne,
Mu'n Alastair phriseil,
Nach do sgriobh a bhi ainnis;
Cha do sheòl thu gu h-iosal,
Bhiodh do ni aig luchd-ealaidh ;
'S gheibhtc onoir air t-uaislean,
An am dhuit gluasard bho d' bhaile.

CUMHA DO DH' A0NGHU5 OU GHLlKKE GARADH. 89

CUMHA DO DH AONGHUS OG GHLINNE
GARADH, a mbarbhadh le urchair thubaistich
an deigh Blàr iia h-Eaglaise Brice, 1746.
Le Aonghus DomhnuUach (Mac Ailein).

'S TROM au luclid a th air m' inntiim,
Ge b'e dha 'n ìnusinn mo dhòruinn;
An sgèul a fhuair mi dhomh innse,
'S mi 'g òl fiona Didòuuich ;
'S e chuir mise fo mhìghean,
'Nuair a dh' ìnnseadh nach beò thu,
'Nuair chuunaic mise do lotan,
Air mo roisg thainig deoirean.

A ghnuis na fèile 's na glaine !

Gu'm b' ainneamh feaa.- t-aoise,

Ann an cèill, 's ann au gliocas,

Bu mhòr do mheas air do dhaoine;

Corp is gile 'nan canach,

Siiilean meall-shuileach 's caoine,

'S mairg a tharladh am fèirg i*iut,

'S nach bu mhèirbh thu 's a chaonnaig.

'S goirt ieam càradh dhaoin' uaisle,
'S am buachaiir 'g am fàgail,
'Gan robh gliocas is cruadal,
Le uaisle gun àrdan :
Aonghuis Oig Ghliunegaradh,
Bha mnai galach ga d" chàradh,
'S cha bu ghearain mar chaidh,
'Nam faigheadh tu laithean.

Ach do laithean gu 'u iarrainn,

'Nam bu riatauas dhomhs' e,

Na b' achanaich choltach,

Bho 'n 's tric a prosuachadh dheòir mi,

Mu'n fhear uach d' fhuair ach aois leanabh,

Righ ! bu loinneil air blàr thu,

'S dh' innis là Phrestoupaua

Nach bu leanabh an càs thu.

90 THE MACDONALD COLLECTION OF GABLIC POETHT.

Anns gach càs bha thu duineil,
Bu tu 'n duine, ge b' òg thu,
Suil bu tlaithe, gun tioma,
'S nach eireadh an dòbheirt;
Leat bu nihiannach a cheathairn,
Bhi 'gan teannadh an òrdugh,
'S tu 'dol sios 'nam a' chatha,
Bu neo-sgathach do chòmhradh.

Sliabh na h-Eaglaise Brice,

Bu mhòr do mhisneach 's an uair sin,

Ge do rainig na h-eich sinn,

Cha do leasaich lad gruaim dhuit ,

Ge bu sgreataidh ri fhaicinn,

Le lannan glas as an truaill ia^,

Gu'm bu churanta t-fhacal,

Gu cur as ri aou uair dhoibh.

Bu tu 'n curaidh, 's au gaisgea<;h,
Fhir nach tais an am cruadail,
Lamh bhualadh uan speach thu,
'S e mo chreach ua thug uainn thu;
Gur mi fhortan do d' chinneadh,
Gu'n do ghiorraicheadh t' uair orr',
'S e do chur ann an cistidh,
Turn is miste do thuathcheairn.

Bha do thuathcheairne dèurach,
'S gun an t-oighi-e a bhi t' àite,
Cha bu ghearain max dh' èiiich,
'Nam biodh tu fèin aca làthair ;
Gur e thromaich mo mhulad,
Thu bhi 'n Lunnain au sàs ac',
'S truagh an fhine Clann Domhnuill,
Ma gheibh Righ Seorus lamh làidir.

Ach a Thearlaich Oig Stiubhart,
Gun d' rug diubhail gle mhòr ort,
Na liuranan glana,
Nach mealladh 's a" chòir ort;
Oighre Chnòideart, s Ghlinngaradh,
Bhi 'n tùr aig gallaibh, b' c 'u lcòn e,
'S ma thig beud riut mu t' auam,
Gur daor a cheannaich sinn t' eòlas.

CUMHA DO dh' aonghus og ghlinne garadh. Ol

Ach t-eòlas gu'n iarrainn,

Na 'm biodh Dia uime deònach,

'Chors' gun eireadh gach latha,

Leat buaidh chatha, 's buaidh chòmhnuidh ;

Fuasgladh grad do m' cheann cinnidh,

'S e sud a shirinn air m' òrdugh,

'S gur e thogadh mo mhulad

Ruaig nan sionnach air Seorus.

92 THB MACDONALD (oll.ij iio.s oi (,ai:MC rOETRY.

ORAN l)() DH' ALASTAIK RUADH
GHLINNEGAHADH.

Gu bheil mise fo sproc,

A h-uile h-o"dhchc 's a uochd,

Ma 's e mi-gheau, le frois, a bhuail sibh.

'S guu unjhail do chàch,
Bidh mi guidhe gach là,
Leis a bhuidhinu d' au gnàth bhi uallach.

Le Claiui Dumhuuill 'ic Eoin,

Bhur iaiciiiu fallaiu gun leòn,

'Sibh th' air m' aire gle mhòr 's an uair so.

i>iia sibh allail na 'r u' aium,
Cha robh barrachd leam ann,
Càirdeas fhear o na gleanntaibh cuachach.

Càirdeas Alastair àigh,

Cha bhàn carrach a dh' fhàs,

Ach am barrachd 's a bha na ghruaig air.

Càirdeas Alastair Oig,

A bha fearrail 's au stoirm,

'S a chaidii tamull do 'u Fhraing air bhuanachd.

Càirdeas fine nach fann,

Theid an iomaiit nan lann,

'S nach pilleadli au am a chruadaii.

Fine ghreadhnach nam pìos,

Nam bratach, 's nam pìob,

'S nam feachdauau lìoumhor luaineach.

'S mairg a thachradh na d' chòir,
'S fiamh bhrais' ann a' d' shròin,
Neach chuireadh ga dheòiu ort gruaman.

Le d' chlaidhimh socair drìngh-ghleòis,

Bu neo lapach ua d' dhòru,

Nàile ghearra' tu feòil gu smuais leis.

ORAN DO dh' alastair ruadh ghlinnboaradh. 93

ORAN DO DH' ALASTAIR RUADH
GHLINNEGARADH.

I>EOCH slàinte mhic 'ic Alastair,

Lion barrach air a chrann,

Air chumhnant thu thigh'n fallain,

Gu Tìir Garranach nan gleann :

Thu dh' inntrigin 's an obair sin,

'S e thogadh dhiom a ghreann,

'S tha m' inntinn fhin cho togarrach,

'S nach obainn dol a dhanns'.

A Righ gur ait an sgèula sin,
A fhuair mi fein, Di-Luain,
Di-Màirt a rinn mi bruidhinn air,
'S mo chridhe 'g èiridh suas ;
Gun tainig an deagh Alastair,
Gu fhearann mar bu dual,
A Righ gu meal thu 'n t-àite sin,
Nach robh do chàirdeas fuar.

'Nuair theid am preas a chàradh,

Anns an àite 'n dean e fèum,

Aig iochdar sruth nan sàr-bhradan,

Tha buinne làidir trèun :

'S lionmhor fear le fàilligeadh,

Nach tàr an t-àth a lèum,

A dh' èireas suas fo d' chàirdeas,

Agus tàrsuinn fo do sgèith.

Gur lionmhor saighdear guinnideach,
Cruaidh, fulangach, gu leòr,
A sheasadh air earr gunna leat,
'S a bhuaileadh spuir ri òrd;
'S mise fèin a chunnaic sin,
Mu dhunaidh Aonghuis Oig,
Cha bu chreach gun diultadh i,
Mur Itibadh i 'nar feòil.

94 THE MACDONALD COLLBCTION OF GAELIC POBTRT.

Gur lionmhor macan cùramach,

Fior ùiseil thig nar ceann,

Thig Mac 'ic Ailein Mhùideart leat,

MacDhìighail thig e nall :

An cinneadh raaith Siol Uisdein sin,

'S gach fiuran thig nan ceaun;

Gur mairg a thagradh miiiseag ort,

'Nuair dhùbladh tu do rang.

Tha finne an taobh eile dhuibh,
Gle shoilleir thig 'nar ceann ;
Cha ruig mi leas an sloinneadh,
Cha 'iì 'eil fàth an deireis ann ;
Chuniiaic nii 's a choinnimhs' iad,
'N àtii .■iif'aili(l;ts nan lann,
B' iad sud am pòr nach obadh,
Ann an àm bhi sgoltadh cheann.

Ged fhuair am bogha shàruchadh,
Tha 'n t-sreang na h-àite fein ;
Maclain, 's fir a Bhraighe leat,
Gur feaii'd thu sud ri t' fhèum ;
Nam biodh Dia cho fàbhorach,
'S gu'm biodh bhur càirdeas reidh,
Far am b' isle 'n gàradh,
Cha bu ghnàthach leibh a leum.

'S ged tha mi 'dol a' m' leabaidh,

Tha 'n t-slat 'sa tigh'nn a' m' chuimhn',

De 'n iubhar àluinn ghaganach,

Do 'n aiteam sin, Siol Chuinn ;

Na mhealla' mi mo chaiseart,

No 'm breacan s' tha mu m' dhruim,

Mur meantraigean fèin fathasd leat,

An ceannabheirt claidheimh luim.

'S ged nach 'eil mo nitheanan,

Ach trioblaideach gu leòr,

Tha h-uile h-aon ag ìnnse dhomh,

Gur misde mi mo dhòigh ;

Gur measa dhomh an niosgaid so,

Ma bhristeas i 'nam fheòil,

Na ged fhàg i falamh mi,

'S nach b' fhiach mi dh' earras gròt.

ORAK DO dh' alastair ruabh ghlinnkgaradh. 95

ORAN DO DH' ALASTAIR RUADH
GHLINNEGARADH.

Le Aonghus Domhnullach (Mac Ailein).

Cha b' e m' fhàgail aig baile,

Fàth mo chràidh, no mo ghearaiun cho mòr.

Ach a ghràitin nach mairionn,

An ti dh' àrdaicheadh m'onoir is m'fhonn;

'Nuair bha càch air a bhanais,

'S iad gu manranach, geanail, le fonn,

Bha mise pràmhail aig Bealaidh,

'Cur an càs mar bha Alastair rium.

An leoghann fixeachail suairce,
Mùirneach, macanta, duaisear ri daimh !
Bha thu miosail air t' uaislean,
Agus iochdmhor ri tuathcheaim 's an am ;
Cha bu mhisd' thu ri d' ghluasad,
" Bonn do mhiosguinn no bhruaidhlein gun cheann,"
'S dh' fheumadh e bhi na ghualainn,
Pear sam bith air am fuasgladh tu cainnt.

Bha thu miosail an Albainn,

Ann an Sasunn gun dhearbh thu do chliu,

Bu mhòr t' onoir thar fairge,

Cha bu chuilein gun eanchainn ann thu;

Fhir bu toirteala calpa,

'S bu deis' ann an dealbharrach shiil :

'Nam bu dhiùbhe le h-airgiod,

Bu niarachd cinneadh dha 'n ainmichear thu.

'S lionmhor fine dha 'm farmad,

An Ceann-cinnidh àrd-ainmeil so th' oirun,

Cha bu phriobuirneach meanbh e,

Bheireadh bristeadh a meanm an laoigh òig;

Bu sinu an fhiue mhi-shealbhach,

Nach d' fhuair siun ort aimsir gu leòr,

'S bu lughaid' acain ar 'n earrachaill,

'Nam bu mhairionn 's an ams' Aonghus Og.

9C

Tlll' M\i|Mi\M|i (dl.lKciKiV tì[ i,\\:ijf I'OKTIIV.

Aonghuis Oig a chuil àluinn !

Bha gràdh gach duin' ort a thàrmaich ort iuil ;

'S nach robh e mcasg Ghaidheal,

Aon fhear a i'liiiair bàrr ort an cliù ;

'S tu bu leoghanta sàr-ghlic,

Guu mhòrchuis, gun àrdan a' d' shùil,

Dh' fhalbh gach fortan bh' air Tearlach,

O'n la lotadh an t-àilleagan ùr.

'S fheudar fhulang inar thàinig,

Mo shian-duilich do chàrafni fo 'ii fhòd.

A luath 's na bhiunii:- ani l'às thu,

Dh' fhàg ua chunnaic thu cràiteach fo leòn ;

Gu'm b' e 'n t-uirigleadh prkmhail,

A bhi tuireadh air t-ùbhaist, a sheoid !

Cò ni taice na t'àite?

Bho 'n chuir iad thu 'n clàr-chiste bhòrd.

'Nuair a tlièid mi 'bhun Gharaidh,

'S tric bhios t-eugaisg na ni' aire lc bròn,

'S mi bhi leirsinn do thalla,

Gun fheusd ann, guu fharraid air ceòl :

'S mise dh'fhaodadh sud aithris,

Gur tric caoladh a challa' tigh'nn oirnn,

'Nam bu shaoghal tlhuil ina' ruinn,

Cha bhithinn daonnan aig Bealaidh fo bhròn.

'S tric mo chridhe fo throm-ghean,

'S gach uair am bi mi gar n' iomradh leam fèin,

Mu fhearaibh òg bha gun dom'las,

Dha 'm bu dligheach bhi uallach le fèil',

Sibh air slighe gun iomrall,

'S gun bhi againn ach Dunnchadh nar dèigh,

A Mhic Muire, dha 'n iomchuidh,

Deònaich fortan srun iomrall da rèir.

OBAN DO dh' alastair ruadh ghlinnegaradh. 97

ORAN DO DH' ALASTAIK RUADH

GHLINNEGARADH.

Le lain Domhnullach, Fear Airdnabidh.

Cha 'n fhaigh mi cadal air chòir

Gun do bharantas beòil,

'Tea«hd bho charraig nan seòl,

Gur e 'n t-Alastair Og s' th' air m' aire-sa.

Gur a cruaidh leam an uaii,

Thig bho chuaradh a chuain,

Agus fuathas nan stuagh,

'S cha phill thu cho luath le maranan.

Planntas laidir mo rùin,
Bho 'n Fhraing a thainig as ùr,
Mar chàirdeas lainndeir ri siiil,
Agus barrantas cxiil nan gleannan-sa.

Bith-sa misneachail trèun,

Ardan, 's gliocas, da rèir,

Gun chall itich 'na d' sgèith,

Los gu'm measaich iad reim do sheannar dhuit.

'Nan tigeadh cruadal no spàirn,

'S e bu dual dhuit 's a' bhlài',

Sleaghan cruaidh a' bhi d' laimh,

Le neart ghualla toirt àireamh cheannaibh dhiubh.

'Nan tigeadh Tearlach a nall,
Gu'm bu dearbhte dha 'chlann,
'Thig o gharbh shlios nam beann,
Comhlan fearrdha ro chalma ceannasach.

'S leis a Chnòideartach ùr,

Na fir cholgarr' air thiìs,

Gur iad bu torganach sùrd,

'S nial colgarr' air siiil gach gallain diubh.

98 THE MACDONALD COLLBCTION OF OABLIC POETRT.

lad gu fulangach luath,

Làidir, curanta, cruaidh,

Mar ghàir Chuchullaiii gu buaidh,

Luchd màdair uile gu truagh 's iad gearaineach.

Luchd liiireach is lann,

'Nam rìisgaidh nach ga-nn,

Ri gearradh luithein is cheann,

'S e sud bu diichas do'n dream bu charraideach .

Thig an còmhail nan laoch,

Gaisgich uaibhreach nach faoin ;

'N am tharruing suas nan lann caol,

Bhiodh gagan uallach de 'n fhraoch ri crannagan.

Bhiodh ar diìrachd o'r crìdh,

G'ar dùthaich 's g'ar righ,

'Chor 's gu 'n riìisgte na gìll,

Gu'm biodhmaid cliuiteach le spid a Gharranaich.

Mo ghaol-sa 'n t-Alastair Ruadh,

Bheir buaidh le claidheimh a truaill,

An tinnsgeal caithream an t-sluaigh,

Bhiodh cnuachdan fala gu luath gu talamh leat.

Macan dileas mo ghràidh,

Ma 's e tìr dhuit no sàl,

Thu thigh'n dìreach gu t' àit,

Dh' aindeoin mi-rùn na gràisg gur maire&nn thu.

ORAN' GAOTL. 99

ORAN GAOTL.
Le ban-tighearn de theaghlach Shleibhte.

Seisd — Ho nan tigeadh

Mo Robairneach gaolach,

Birlinn aig'

Agus ceatharna dhaoine,

Dheanainuse mire

Co theireadh nach faodadh,

B' aighearrach mise

'N an tilleadh a ghaoth sibh.

Tha bhirlinn a' tighinn

Fo h-uidheam an tràth-sa,

Timchioll an rudh'

Agus buidheann mo ghràidh innt' ;

Fear a' chuil bhuidhe

'Na shuidh' air a bràighe,

'S tu dheanadh a stiuireadh

Ri cùl nan tonn àrda.

Ho nan tigeadh.

'N am bitheadh sud agad-sa
Claidheamh is targaid,
Gunna 'bheoil laghaich
B' e do roghainn a dh' arm iad,
Paidhear mhaith phiostal
Fo chrios nam bann airgid,
'S tu leannan te oige
Cho boidheaoh 's tha 'n Alba.
Ho nan tigeadK.

Cha b' e mo Robain-se
Soideanach suarach,
'S aotrom aighearrach,
Aigeannach suairc e ;
Snamhaiche linne,
Fear buidhe chuil dualaich;
B' aighearrach mise
Bhi mire mu 'n cuairt ort.
Ho nan tigeadh.

100 THR MACDONALD COIjLECTION OP OABLIC POETRT.

'Nan tigeadh tu fhathast
B' e m' aighear 's mo rùn thu,
Cead bhi 'ga d' choimhead
Gu 'm b' aighearrach leara e;
'Nuair dh' eireadh tu d' sheasamh
Bu deas thu air ìirlar,
'S leat unam an danusa,
'S tu annsachd na cììirte.
Ho nan tigeadh.

Am baile so romham
Cha 'n 'eil mi ann eolach;
'S ann a tha m' uirigleadh,
M' aighear, 's mo shòlas;
B' fhearr leam e agam,
Gun airgiod gun stòras,
Na buaile chrodh ballach
Le fear bhiodh gun eolas.
Ho nan tigeadh.

MARBHBANN DO SUIR SEUMAiS MACDHOMHNUILL SHLBIBHTE. 101

MARBHRANN do Shjr Seumas Macdhomhnuill
Shleibhte.

Gun e sgeula ar lèiridh,
'S ar sgaraidh le chèile,
Thainig oirnn a Dunèidean,
O 'n chualas gu 'n d' eug e;
Ceann uighe nan ceudan,
Bha bu h-urramach, cèilidh,
'N t-oighre dligheach bh' air Slèibhte ;
Ciod a chreach gun Sir Seiimas bhi beo !
Ciod, etc.

Tha Clann Domhnuill an tràth so,
Mar is minic a bhà iad,
Mar uain bhiodh gun mhàthair;
Chraobh mhullaich a b' àirde
So a bh' orra ri aireamh ;
Chaidh a gearradh gu làr dhiubh :
Och nan och ! rug am bàs ort cho òg.
Och! etc.

'N am bu namhaid fo 'u adhar
So a dh' fhagadh tu d' luidhe,
Ach toil an àrd Athar,
Feumar geilleadh d'a mhaitheas;
'S lionmhor larl' agus Maithean
A ghlacadh an claidheamh,
'S a dheanadh a chaitheamh gu 'n dorn.
'S a dheanadh, etc.

'Nuair bha oirnn aoibhneas is aiteas
Air duil ri d' thigh 'n dhachaigh,
A dh' ionnsuidh do chaistil,
Làn foghluim is fhasan,
Mar bu duchas a thachairt;
Sgeula ciuirte 'ta againn
A chiste-luidh air do ghlasadh :
Och nan och ; gur h-i chreach thainig oìrnn !
Och, etc.

102 TUB MACDONALU COLLKCTION OK GAELIC rOBTRT.

Bho 'u dh' fhag thu sinne cho cràitcach,
'S nach urrainn sinn àireamh,
Gu 'n robh d' anam am Pàrras !
A' seinn cliu do 'n an Aid Righ.
Gloir do dh' Athair nau gràsan
Sir Alasdair àluinn
'Bhi na shuidhe 'na d' àite :
Dia thoirt gibhtean dha 's gràsan
Agus gliocas is làithean gu leòir !
Agus gliocas, etc.

Ach 's truagh a' mhathair gun mhac thu,
Bhan-ridire ghasda,
Nighean an larla o 'n mhachair,
So a thainig o 'n chaisteal :
Tha leann-dubh air a glacadh,
'S tric deòir air a rasgaibh,
O'n a chualas gun d' fhaicinn
Thu bhi 'n tììr air do thasgadh 's an Ròimh.
Thu bhi, etc.

Mhic Shir Alasdair cheutaich,
Bha gu h-urramach cèillidh ;
Choisinn sith ri cruaidh fheuni dhuinn,
Dh' iiraich so oirnn ar creuchdan,
'S cha 'n 'eil oirnn ach gur èiginn bhi beo.
'S cha 'n 'eil, etc.

Ogh' larl Eglinton ghasda
Dhioladh ascaoin am pailteas,
'G am bheil oighreachd ro fharsuinn
Thar fir far na machrach,
Dh' eireadh leatsa ceud gaisgeach
Ach feum bhi orr' agad
'N am chur fraoich ri do bhrataichean sròil.
'N am, &c.

*8 mise fein thainig uatha
A chaidh an snaoim goirt a chruadail,
Dìiisg mairbh as na h-uaighibh
Dh' iarraidh fiosrachadh uatha,
Feuch an daoine 'bha buan sibh ;
Fradharc 's claisneachd dh' fhalbh uatha,
'S èirig leo air a' chruadal,
Righ nan Eilein 'bhi suas mar bu chòir.
Righ, &c.

MARBURANN UI8»EIN A' BHAILESHEAK. 103

MARBHRANN UISDEIN A' BHAILESHEAR.
Le lairi MacCodmm.

Mo thruaighe! briseadh Siol Chuinu,
Mo chreach ! 'ur dìobhail, 's 'ur sgath,
Sgeula duilich, 's mòr am beud,
Ki fhulang gur geur an gath.

Gur geur an gath, gath an aoig,
'Nar taobh a dh' fhalaich a' ghuin,
'Nuair dh' fhuadaich e uainn ua suinu,
'Sgeul is cruaidh r'a innse 'n diugh.

'Nuair thugadh ar ceann priseil uainn,
Gur mi-fhortan cruaidh a th' ann;
Càch a bhi tearnadh cho bras
'S a thearuadh a chlach leis a' ghleanu.

Mu 'n taiuig leth-bliadhna slàu,
Chaill siun Fear Bhàlaidh 's a mhac,
Ar sàr chaptain Fear au Uird,
Gilleasbuig guu dùil ri theachd.

Tha fir 's a chaibeal 'nan tàmh,
laiu 's am Bàilidh air thùs,
Bu deagh chreideas iad air tu',
Ga seasamh an sìth 's au cliù.

Nach mòr am briseadh oirun sin,

Cuide ri 'r briseadh au diugh;

Na h-uirad de bharauta mòr,

O bhrollach Chlann Domhnuill ua fir.

B' iad siu na fir bu mhòr meas,
'S an iouad nach do sheas au cas,
Air an cluinute 'n t-iomradh còir,
'S an àite nach robh eolas ac'.

Cuideachd is mòran 'gau dìth,
Faodaidh iad 'bhi cruinn air cnoc,
Nach cianail a' nochd a chuirm,
'S ogh' larla Dhuntuilm fo bhrot.

104 TUE MACIHJ.NAIJJ COLLKCnON OF GAEhlC rUKlliV

Am fior ghaisgeacb air dol fo lic,
Mu 'u iarganach iomadh ueach,
Sàr churaidh a chaisgeadh tòir,
'S nach cuireadh " ob òb " air ais.

'Nan tigeadh trioblaid 'nar car,
Sheasadh fearail air ar ceann ;
Gun " mar bhiodh " ri fhaotainn aun,
An cridhe no 'n gàirdein no 'n lanu.

An duine bu duin' air gach càs,
lonadail, càirdeil, gun phleid,
Ceannard sluaigh gun tuar air sgàth,
Guala làidir anns an t-streup.

Duine sgairteil, tapaidh, teòma;
Duine seadhar auns gach beairt,
Labhradh an fhirinn le grunnd,
'S cha b' e teanga leam is leat.

Gur mise chunnaic an uair,

Gu'm b' urramach do shnuagh 's do dhreach j

Fear fearail bu fhlathaile gnùis,

Amharc nan sùl nach robh tais.

Calpa foinnidh, sliasaid mheamnach,
Colann dhealbhach bu mhòr neart;
Am faicinn, 's an gaisge, 'san gniomh,
Bu diomhala larla do mhac.

Ceannard dìithcha' 'n èiridh chruaidh,
Ceannard sluaigh an èiridh feachd,
Ceann-feadhna nach fuilingeadh spìd,
'S a b' urrainn an t-srìth a chasg.

Duine fearail a dh' fhàs cruaidh ;
Duine 'n robh cruadal is smachd ;
Duine 'n robh iochd agus truas,
Gu fuasgladh air fear 'na airc.

Duine 'n robh smior agus sgoinn ;
Duine nach robh foill na bheachd,
Nach buaileadh a bhuille chùil,
'S nach gleidheadh mi-riìn do neach.

MARBHRANN UISDEIN a' BHAILESHKAK. 105

An aon mhile 's an seachd ceudj
Tri fichead bliadhna 's a naoi,
Ghabh Uisdein cridhe chead dhinn ;
Tri fichead 's a tri b' e aois.

Tha sinn a nis air ar leòn,
An fhinne mhòr bu lionmhor buaidh;
Ma bha sibh riamh 'n 'ur cuis fharmaid,
'S an aimsir so 'n 'ur culaidh thruais.

Craobh a rùisgeadh air gach taobh sinn ;
Craobh nach do ghiiìlain a meas ;
Cha 'n fhan ar luchd aoise beò
'S cha tig ar daoin' òga ris.

Seallamaid a nis ri Dia ;

'S cinnteach a chrioch dhuinn am bàs ;

Ruitheamaid an cùrsa rèidh,

'S iarramaid Mac Dhè mar gheàrd.

106 THB MACDONALD CJOLLBCTION OF OAELIC FOBTRT.

OKAN NA BAINNSE.
Le GiUeasbuig DomhnuUach, Gille-na-Ciotaig.

B' e turus gun bhuannacbd,
A ghluais mi 's an am,
'Nuair chaidh mi gu baile,
Cha bu charaid dhomh 'n t-am ;
'Nam lùbadh an òil,
Chuir a ghòraich mi anu,
Mu'n do riaghladh ach stòp
Chaidh an t-òl na mo cheauu.

'Nuair thòisich au trioblaid,
Bha mis' ann au cìiil,
Cha 'n fhaighinn dhol sios,
Mar a fiachainn ri triuir ;
Thuirt muileir an t-sadaidh,
Cha stad mi co dhiu,
Gus a faic mi do cheaun
'Bhi 'ga stampadh fo m' ghluin.

Thuirt mise, 's mi freagairt,
Cha deifir dhomh 'n dràst,
Mur do dh' fhàs thu ni 's treise,
Cha 'n eagal do 'n bhàrd ;
'S mi 's meanbha dheth m' dhaoine,
'S is caoile an cnaimh,
'S bi chabhruich au iochdar,
Mu 'n striochd mi 's a' bhlàr.

'Nuair a bhuail mi e thairis,
Gun dh' ailis mi chàch,
C' aite nis bheil do chothrom —
C' ait do bhonnaich an dràst?
Ged tha mis' air a Gheannsich *
Gun annlan air clàr,
Tha thus' air do thaobh
Ged tha 'n giornalair làn.

* A kind uf potatoes, so called in Uist.

ORAN NA BAINNSE. 107

'S iomadli peice beag spiocach,

A lion thu gu fann,

'Nuair a bhiodli tu 'ga shioladh,

Car fìar na do laimh ;

Bha mise 's gach Criosduidh,

'Ga iarraidh bha gann ;

'S an còrr 'bha gun lionadh

Gun diolar e thall.

Ma theid mi ga innse,
'S i 'n fhirinn as feàrr ;
Gu'n robh thu 'na 'd shìneadh,
An dìg 'ghearraidh chàil ;
Luchd thogail na moltrach,
'S an droll ris an làr,
'S Clann Domhnuili a' chruadail,
An uair sin gu h-àrd.

Bean nan cnotaichean dearga,
Chuir fearg air na bh' ann,
Gun eagal, gun dearmad,
Gun chearb air a laimh ;
'S mar biodh a Mhairi
An càirdeas a bh' ann,
Gun innsinnse chàch
Gun robh d' nàire s' air chall.

108 TUB MACDONAl.l) (.(jl.LBCTION OF OABLIC i'OBTRY.

CO SO BREABADH NA MNATHA ?
Le Gilleasbuig Domhnullach, Gille-na-Ciotaig.

Cò 80 breabadh na mnatha ?
Laoch guu tioma, gun athadh,
Cò so breabadh na mnatha ?

'Nuair ràinig mi dorus Beuluamha,
Dh' fhosgail mi uinneag an fhuai'aidh,
Bha 'm Fuamhaire 's nighean Mhicuaire
Tarruing spuac 's a bualadh spleathard.

Mac Fhionnlaidh Ruaidh 's a bhean fein ann,
'G ionnsachadh bocsa na h-Eirionn ;
B' fhearr leam a bhi 'n Allt-na-beiste
Na bhi 'g eisdeachd riu' gu latha.

Chuala mi trod nam ban Eigeach,
Ged a chuala cha do chreid mi ;
Gu faca mi chailleach bheag
A tigh'nn a gheadadh fir an tighe.

Rug e air chiabhaig 's air chluais orr',
'S ghabh e chearrag dhith 'ga bualadh ;
'S nuair chuir a bodach mu 'n cuairt i,
Gu'm b' e luath a leaba-luidhe.

Anns a' mhaduinn 'nuair a thill mi,
Shaoil mi gu 'm f aighinn mo dhìnneir ;
Chaidh am brochan feadh na griosaich,
'S chaidh an t-xm air feadh an tighe !

ORAN FIR HEISGin. 109

ORAN FIR HEISGIR.

Le Raonaid Dhomhniillach. air dhi bhi ri port 's an

Eilein Sgiathanach.

Tha Fear Heisgir a' tighinn ;
Bu tu ceann-uidhe nan ciacl,
Bu tu ceann-uidhe na cuideachd, »

'S cha bu sgrubaire crion ;
'N am ruighinn do bhaile,
Seal mu 'n cromadh a ghrian ;
Bu tu mac an deagh athar,
Bha gu mathasach riamh.

Gwc mis' tha fo mhìghean,

'S mi leam fhìn air a chnoc,

Fada, fada, bho m' chàirdean,

Ann an àite ri port ;

Gus am facas do bhàta,

Le siuil àrda ri dos,

Tigh'nn a steach chum na h-Airde

'S mac an àrmuinn air stoc.

Mac an àrmuinn air stiuir,

A tigh'nn a dh' ionnsuidh an Troit;

Gu bheil an caolas a' beucadh,

'S muir ag èiridh mu slait ;
Tha do lamh-sa cho gleusda,

'S nach do thrèig ise neart ;

Ged a thigeadh muir dùbh-ghorm,
Chuireadh sgùradh a steach.

'S ged bhiodh ciosnachadh mar' ann,
'Bhuaileadh barraibh a crann,
'Chuireadh dh' ionnsuidh a slat i,
'S luaithe h-astar na long ;
Bhiodh i gu h-aotrom, aigionnach,
'G èiridh eadar gach gleann,
'S muir a' bualadh mu darach,
'Fuasgladh reangan is lann.

110 THB MACDONALD COLLECTION OP QABLIC POETRY.

Ged a dh' èigheadh iad abhsadh,
Cha bu sgraing thigeadh ort ;
Cha bu bheò thu 'ga trèigsinn,
'Nuair a dh' eireadh an fhras;
Cha chuireadh eagal o'n stiuir thu,
An càs no 'n cunnart air bith ;
Ged bhiodh tonnan taobh-uaine,
Fuasgladh fuaghal a slios.

'S ann leat a b' eibhinn a sealladh,

'S i air bharraibh nan tonn ;

'S gu bheil an iubhrach cho daingionn,

'S i air a ceangal cho teann ;

A sgiobadh fèin, 's iad cho ealant',

'N am 'bhi tarruing a ball,

Gus am buaileadh i cala,

Troimh na gleannaibh 'na deann.

Bu tu sgiobair na fairge,
Bu tu fear falmadair grinn,
Gur tu b' urrainn a stiuireadh,
'Nuair a dhiultadh iad i ;

Ged a bheireadh iad thairis,
'S iad na luidhe 's an tuim,

Chumadh tusa i cho gàireach,

Gus an tàradh i tìr.

Cha 'n 'eil aon rugha cladaich,

Eadar so 's a Chaoir-dhearg,

Eadar Lìte, 's gach cala,

'N deanta fantuinn no falbh ;

Cha 'n 'eil maighstir soithich,

Chuala feothas do laimh,

Nach bi faighneachd, 's a' fiosrach',

C' àite faighte' do bhàt.

Cha bu ghlas o'n a chuan thu,
Cha bu duaichnidh do dhreach,
Ged a thigeadh muir tuaireap,
Agus stuaghanan cas ;
Bagradh reef orr' le soirbheas,
Ri stoirm is cruaidh fhras ;
Tha do mhuinghin cho làidir,
'S tha do làmhan cho maith.

ORAN FIR HEISGIR. 111

lurach àluinn, 's i falainn,
'S i ri gabhail a' chuain,
I ruith cho dìreach ri saighead,
'S gaoth na h-aghaidh gu cruaidh;
Ged bhiodh stoinii chlacha'-meallain
Ann, 's an cathadh a tuath,
Ni Fear Heisgir a gabhail
Lamh nach athadh ro 'n stuaigh.

112 THB MACDONALD COLLBCTION OF GAKLIC POITRT

ORAN leis an Raonaid Cheudna air dhith 'bhi air
thurus am measg a càirdean, 'san Eilein Sgiathanach.

HoRÒ mo ghillean sunndacb,
Na gillean duallach sunndach,
Horò mo ghillean sunndach.

Our mise 'ta gu muladach,

Air m' uilinn anns an Dùnan,

'S mi 'g amharc Caolas Uidhist,

'S gun a chridhe 'dhol 'ga ionnsuidh.

'S mi 'g amharc Caolas Uidhist,

'S gun a chridhe 'dhol 'ga ionnsuidh ;

'S gu'm b' fheàrr leam na na chunnaic mi,

Ged 's buileach thug e cùl rium.

'S gu'm b' fheàrr leam na na chunnaic mi,
Ged 's builleach thug e cùl rium,
Gu'n tigeadh eich is coisichean
A steach gu Troid an Dùine.

Gu'n tigeadh eich is coisichean
A steach gu Troid an Dìiine :
Gu srianach, dioltach, stiorapach,
'S an gillean air an ciìlaobh.

Na faighinn-sa mo ghuidhe,
Gu'm biodh dithis nach biodh diumbach ;
Bhiodh rathad mòr is glas-cheap air
A steach gu tighean Thriimpain.

Gun rachadh na h-eich bharr-fhionn,
Ann an sealladh nan each siubhlach ;
'S gun ruiginn Caolas Liubharsaidh,
'S cha b' fhuilear leam an dùsgadh.

Gun ruiginn Caolas Liubharsaidh,
'S cha b' fhuilear leam an dùsgadh ;
Far am biodh na fleasgaichean,
A breabadh air an iìrlar.

ORAN. 113

Far am biodh na fleasgaichean,

A' breabadh air an ùrlar ;

'S piob mhòr nam feadan bras aca,

Ri caismeachd air gach taobh dhiubh.

Piob mhòr nam feadan leadara,
A' freagairt air gach taobh dhiubh ;
Bidh mnathan òga, 's maighdeanan,
Gu cridheil, coimhneil, faoilidh.

Bidh mnathan òga, 's maighdeanan,
Gu caoimhneil, geanail, cliuiteach;
Gu caoimhneil, geanail, cliuiteach;
'S cha choisneadh iad droch ghiulan.

114 THB MACDONALD OOLLBCTION OK OAELIC POKTRT.

OBAN MOLAIDH DO GHILLEASBUIG OG
HEISGIE.

Le Anna Dhomhnullach, am Baile-Raghnuill.

AcH 'llleasbuig Oig Heisgir, ^

Bu tu aoibhneas nan nionag.

Horò ho hùg hòireann ò,

Fallain gun tìll thu,

Horò ho hùg hòireann ò.

Mo cheist fear a chuil bhuidhe
Ni am bruthach a dhìreadh.

Mo ghaol fear a chuil-dualaich
'S nan cuaileanan riomhach.

'Nuair a nochdadh do bhàrca
Chite' deàrsadh far tìr as.

Bu tu sgiobair na fairge,

Ri là gailbheach 's droch shìde.

'S tu gu 'n cumadh i tioram,

'S do chuid ghillean 'nan sìneadh.

Dalta ciche mo mhàthar,
'S iad ag ràdha nach tìll e.

Their gach neach air am beag e,
Gur e 'm beadradh a mhìll e.

lad 'gad' dhìteadh a' Bhàlaidh,
'S do bhràithrean 's na h-Innsibh.

Tha luchd gabhail do leithsgeil,
Aig an Eaglais 'nan sineadh.

Luchd sheasamh do chòrach,
'S e mo leòn iad bhi dhìth ort.

ORAN MOLAIDH DO OHILLBASBUIC! OG HEISGIR. 115

'S e do thurus 'llleasbuig,
Thug an leagadh do m' inntinn.

Tha do thighean gan riìsgadh,
Sgeula tìirsach ri innse.

Do chuid eorn' air an achadh,

'S gun teid pailteas a dhìth dhetli.

Do chuid mona gun chruachadh,
Sgeula cruaidh leam ri chluinntinn.

Tha do sprèidh air an achadh,

'S mòr a chreach leam 'ga d' dhith iaa.

• Tha do cheilp air na clachan,
Clia 'p fhaic Sasunn a cbaoidh i.

Tha do bhàt' air a tarruing,
Air a mhachaire mhìngheal.

Gur e mis' tha fo mhùlad,

*N tir a mhurain 's an t-siòbain.

116 THB MACDONALD COLIiKCmON OF 0ARL1C POKTRV.

TALADH ALASTAIR OIG BHALAIDH.
Le Domhnull MacRuairidh 'ic Suainn.

MiNEAM, maineam, mìneam,

O mineam air an oig-fhear,
Mineam, maineam, mineam,

O raiueam air an oig-fhear ;
Oro mineam, maineam, mineam,

Mineam air an oig-fhear ;
Mineam, mineam, mineam e,
Gur a maith leam beò e.

'N uair 'chaireas tu ort èideadh,
'S iomadh tè bhios an tòir ort ;
'S iomadh maighdean ghlan ghasda,
Leis am b' ait 'bhi 'ga d' phògadh ;
Le d' ghunna caol, le d' choin air astar,
'G iarraidh mac na cròichde ;
Le d' fhùdar bras, le d' luaidhe ghlais,
Bidh damh nan cabar leòinte.

Sealgair geòidh is ealadh thu,

Fear faladh air an ròn thu,

Na circe cruinne, duinne, bhios

Air ghur air f eadh na mòintich ;

A choillich dhuibh is bòiche guth

Ri maduìnn chiurach, cheò'ar,

Gu h-aotrom, sgiobalt', bòidheach, clisgeant,

Dh' fihalbhas brisg a' mhòinteach.

Gur càirdeach mo leanabhsa,
Mhac Alastair nan cornaibh,
Mar sin 's do Mhac 'ic Alastair,
D'am bi na f earaibh mòra ;
Na fir ghasda nach gabh taise,
'N uair a chaisgt' 'n tòir orr' ;
Ogha 's iar-ogh' Mhuideartach
A choisinn cliiì air Morthir.

MARBHRANN, 117

MARBHRANN do Bhean Liandail 's an Eilein

Sgidheanach a dh' eug 's a' bhliadhna, 1818.

Le Aonghus Shaw.

Tha naigheachd chianail

An diugh 's na criochan,

Gur fheudar iunse,

O'n 's fior an sgeul,

Tha bròn, tha pianadh,

Tha deòir, tha iargain,

Air staid Fir Liandail,

'S gu 'm b' fhiach am bèud.

Tha lot na chliathaich

As ùr am bliadhna,

Gun ath-sgeul deanamh

Nach leighis lèigh ;

Chaidh a bhain-tighearn chiatach

'S a' chiste dhionaich

An tasgaidh dhiomhair

Fo smachd dha 'n èug.

Tha Liandail dubhach

'S cha 'n 'eil Uidhist subhach,

O'n thuit an ubhal

Gur e cumha 'n ceol ;

Gach gruaidh air dubhadh,

'S gach sùil ri sruthadh ;

Gach gruag is ciubha

Dol an lughad dlò ;

Na h-uaislean suidhicht' ;

Nis tha gruaim 'nam buidheann,

O'u chaidh ceann na h-uidhe

'N ciste chumhainn bhòrd ;

Tha sgriob na duibhe

Tri fillt air tighinn,

'S an t-èug cho dligheach

'S nach fàg fuigheall beò.

118 THB MACDONALl) COLLBCTION OF GAELIC POETBY.

Gur a buan a chreach
Thainig caoin air ascaoin,
O'n chaidh Sìne phasgadh
'N seomar glaist' fo 'n fhòd ;
Tha an tuath ri acaiii ; .
Chaidh an sguab a ghaiseadh ;
Tha luchd cuairt fo airc,
'S an cùl taic nach beo :
Tha an Còirneal gasda
'S a cheann air glasadh,
O'n chaidh taobh a leapa
A mach fo 'n t-sròl :
Cha 'n 'eil bochd no beairteach
Nach cual an eachdraidh,
Eadar baile Pheairt
Is duthaich phailt Mhicleoid.

'N am b' fhiacli mo thoirt,

Gu cur crioch air focail,

Cha bhithinn tosdach,

'S ann dhomh nach nàr ;

Ri innse coslais

Na te 'n robh 'n fhoistinn,

Rinn cliù a chosnadh

'S 'tha nochd 's a' làr:

Cha d' fhuaireadh lochd dhuit,

'S thu d' mhathair ochdnar,

Chuireadh maise choitchionn

Air cnoc do dha ;

'S e mheudaich dosguinn,

'S a lughdaich fortan,

Gu 'n robh 'n uaigh 'ga fosgladh

Dha d' chorp cho tràth.

B' e treach gun tòrachd

Rug air Clann Domhnuill,

Gur a goirt tha 'n Coirneal

Ri bròn 's an am ;

Mu chèile pòsda,

Agus fios nach beò i,

'S gu 'n do glilac thu deònach

I òg air laimh ;

Cha do sheas am bròig

Bean do dhreach 's a' chòmhlan,

MARBHRANN. 119

An dress no 'n comhdach

Cha robh iad ann ;

An iochd mar thòisich

Thug thu bàrr air mòran,

'S gu 'n d' fhàg thu 'n t-òrdan sin

Aig do chloinn.

Air trian do bhèusau,
An cial 's an cèutaibli,
A dh' aindeoin gèiread
Cha lèugh mi 'n caiunt,
Ag innse d' èugaisg,
'S 'ga chur an cèill duibh,
Cha 'n fhaighinn clèireach,
' S cha mhaireadh peann ;
Mar ghathan grèine,
No sneachd air ghèugan,
Do mhuinneal glè-gheal,
Gun mheach gun mheang ;
Bha mìltean dèurach
'G ad' chur fo 'n dèile,
'S bu mhòr am bèud dhuinn
Gu 'n deach' thu ann.

'N am b' fhiach am bàrd mi

Gu dad a ràitinn,

Gu 'n innseadh càch dhuibh

Gu bheil so fior ;

'S ann bha do nàdur

Os cionn gach ban-righ,

Is bean do ghnàth-sa,

Cha 'n fhacas riamh :

Ma ni an t-àlach

A rinn thu fhàgail,

An diugh 'n ad' aite

Gach pàirt dhe d' ghniomh;

Gu 'm faigh iad gràsan

Mar fhuair am màthair,

'S bi 'n anam sàbhailt,

Is beannachd Dhia.

120 TIIIC MAi 1H)N.\|,|) ( 1.1,1. Ki ri').\ (>ì L.M.LKJ I'OJ'nTiV.

ORAN DO'N CHOIRNEAL DHOMHNULLACH,

Dhalchoisinidh, an Raineach, na dheigh sin an
Ceann-feadhna Sir lain Domhnullach.

Ged nach bàrd mi, no filidh,

Fear binue an fhocail,

Dh' innsinn cuibhrionn de d' bhuadhan,

Bha thu suairce, neo-lochdail ;

Aghaidh fhlaitheil, mar mhaigdinn,

Ciuin, caoimhneil, neo-ascaoin,

'S 'n am brosnachadh t' fheirge,

'S maith thig armachd do 'n ghaisgeach.

'S maith thig armachd do 'n ghaisgeach,
Ghluais air astar Di-màirt uainn ;
Claidheamh sgaiteach chinn-Ilich,
Do dhìleab Ferràra;
Sùil cholgarra chruadail
Choisiiin buaidh anns na blàraibh,
'S cha b' e gealtachd bu dual duit
'N am bualadh do nàmhaid.

'N am bualadh do nàmhaid,

'S mòr d' àrdan, 's beag d' athadh,

'M Port-nan-gàl fhuair thu deuchainn,

'S bha thu trèun ri uchd catha;

Sior ghiulan an t-suaich'ntais,

Ri do ghuailibh gach latha,

'S bha do chreuchdan a dearbhadh

Nach robh thu cearbach gu sgathadh.

Nach robh thu cearbach gu sgathadh,
'N am tarruing nan cruaidh-lann ;
B' e sud cleachdadh do Sheorsa,
Clann Domhnuill a chruadail,
Choisinn deas-lamh nam blàraibh
Dearg nan sgàil 'bhi nan suaich'ntas,
'S an am cogadh nan rioghachd
Bha sibh dìleas d' 'ur dualchas.

oiiAN uo'n CHOIRNEAL DHOMHNULLAC'H. 121

Bha sibh dìleas d' 'ur dualchas,
'N am bualadh nam builleau ;
Bha sibh an am tuasaid,
'S ri am cruadail ro ghuineach;
Cha bhi sgàth oirbh roimh luaidhe,
No roimh ghruaim-mhala duine ;
'Dol gu dian an uchd nàmhaid
'S b' e 'ur n-àbhaist 'bhi fuileach,

B' e 'ur n-àbhaist 'bhi fuileach,
'S fhuair sibh urrani 's gach deuchainn,
Guidheam cliù is buaidh-làrach
Dhuit 's gach àite do 'n teid thu ;
Lean-sa deachdadh do Shinnsir,
'S coimhead dìreach an cèuman;
Leoghainn cholgarra, dhearbhte,
Da maith thig armachd is èideadh.

'S maith thig armachd a Ghaidheil

Dhuit o d' bhi-aighe gu d' bhrògaibh, ^

Bonaid ghorm is maith cumadh,

Os cionn a mhullaich is bòiche ;

Mar sud is breacan an fhèilidh,

Sàr èideadh ua còmhraig,

Osain ghearr le 'n cuid ghartan,

'S paidhear dhag an deagh òrdugh.

Paidhear dhag agus biodag,
'S maith thig sud air do chruachainn ;
Gunna glaiceach nach diultadh
Air ùdlaich an f huarain ;
Sealgair buic air an doir' thu,
Marbhaich coilich air luath-sgeith,
Marcaich sunndach nan steud-each,
Sàr cheile mhnath-uaisl' thu.

Righ ! gur iomadh bean uasal,
Tha 's an uair so fo bhròn dheth,
Bho 'n a chaidh thu thar chuantan,
Fhleasgaich uasail is bòiche ;
Teanga mhilis a mhanrain,
'N am tàladh nan òg-bhean ;
Marcaich àrd nan each srianach,
Leam bu mhiann 'bhi fo 'd òrdugh.

122 THK MACDONALD COLLBCTION OF GABLIC POBTBT.

'S iomadh spalparra òg,
A tha fo 'd òrdugh 's an uair so,
Feachd thrèun Loch-nan-Eala,
Eadar cheathairn is uaislean ;
Leam gur duilich 'ur càradh,
'Nochd air àrd nan tonu uaibhreach;
'S bho 'n a chaidh sibh air sàile
Guidheam sàbhailte suas sibh.

Guidheam sàbhailt thar chuantan,

Sàr bhuachail' nau ròiseal;

'S àrd cheanuard air feachd thu,

B' e sud a cleachd thu o d' òige ;

'Bhi 'gan stiuireadh le riaghailt,

'Dol gu dian an uchd còmhraig,

Le 'r n-airm sgaiteach chruaidh stàillinn,

Ghearradh chnàmhan is feòla.

'S fhad o'n dh' fhiosraich do naimhdean,
Cruas do lann anns a' chaonaig ;
'S minig a thanaich thu 'n rang orr',
'S iad 'nan campan ri d' aodan;
Bhiodh ratreut air na Frangaich,
Cunntas cheann air au raon dhiubh ;
'S bhiodh buaidh-làrach aig Breatunn
Far an seasadh do dhaoine.

'S ann is coltach do dhaoine,

Ri braon theine-deallain,

No ri spùt dhe 'n an fhaoileach,

'Nuair is caochlaideach gaillionu ;

lad cho bras ri tonn uaibhreach,

Dian bhualadh air carraig,

'S mairg a dhiiisgeadh bhur fearg,

'N am dhuibh armach a tharruing.

'N am dhuibh armach a tharruing,

'N am catha a sgaoileadh,

'S lionmhor Guimhneach 's gearr frioghan

Theid air mhire 's a chaonaig ;

Cha bhiodh ni dh' fharmad ri d' nàmhaid

Rachadh dàna ri 'r u-eudan ;

'N am Torc 'dhol an òrdugh

Fo sheòladh an Leoghainn.

ORAN' do'n choirneal diiomhnullach. 123

Leoghainn gbarg tha neo-thiomach,
'S nach gabh giorrag 'nam cruadail,
Gu ma slàn ni thu philleadh
Thar na linue le d' uaislean ;
Is ma gheibh sibh mo dhiirachd,
Cha teid 'ur ciuradh le luaidhe,
'S cha dean claidheamh 'ur rèubadh,
'S cha bhi èis oirbh no smuairean.

Cha bhi smuairean air Gaidheal, ,

'Dol an gàbhadh no cunnart,

'S beag do leith-sgeul an dràsd' air

'S do chuid àrmuinn fo d' stiuireadh :

Is b' e m' iarrtas o'n Ard Righ

Thu thigh'nn sàbhailt gu d' dhùthaich,

'S tu 'bhi d' chomhnuidh 'n Dalchoisinu,

Innis thogail nam fiuran.

124 TIJi; ,M.\( l'M\_M,i, ( ()|,| t ^..vi;i,i(; I'OKTIIV.

ORAN GAOIL. Le Aoughus DomhnuUach.

Seisd — Mo ghaol a chuunaic mi 'n diugh,
Gur luath leani a dhealaich sinu ;
Mo ghràdh a chunuaic mi 'n diugh,
Gur muladach a ta mi.

Mhairi anns a' Chaolas,
Gur mòr a thug mi ghaol dhuit ;
Dh' aindeoin cainnt nan daoine,
Cha chaochail mi dhuit nàdur.

Gur tric os cinn mo chiste mi
A' leughadh do chuid litrichean,
'S an gaol a bha gun fhios againn,
A nis tha fios aig càch air.

Gur mise tha fo èislein,
'S a' mhaduinn an am eirigh,
A' coimhead Druim-na-bèisde,
'Nam eiginn 's mi gun bhàta.

'S e giuthas gun bhuannachd,
Riun t' athair dhuit-sa fhuasgladh ;
Gu'n chum e fada uam thu,
Fo bhinn nan stuagh a b' àirde.

Gur toilichte bhios in' inntinn
'Nuair bhios mi seinu na fìdhle,
*S 'nuair bhios tu 'n ceann an ruidhle
'S tu ribhinn dhonn nam blàth shul,

'Nuair 'chruinnicheas a chlann oga
A steach a ghabhail òran,
Cha 'n fhaigh mi ni' inntinn stòlda,
Gu faigh mi pòg o Mhàiri.

ORAN GAOIL.

Ged theannainn-sa ri d' dhi-moladh
Cha b' aithne dhomh cha b' urrainn mi,
'S ann thug mi fhin an urram dhuit,
O'n chunnaic nii 'na d' phàisd thu.

Ged thigeadh orm gu'm b' eiginn
Bhi falbh a dh' iarraidh dèirc' dhuit,
Gu'm b' fhearr leam as do lèin' thu
'Na te 'g am biodh crodh dàrach.

Cha 'n 'eil anns a' chruinneachadh
De bhoirrionaich 's de dh' fhirionnaich,
Aon duine do 'n do dh' innis mi
A nighean thug mi gràdh dh' i.

Gur mise tha gu brònach,
'S i so a bhliadhna leòn mi ;
'S an gaol a thug mi òg dhuit,
'S e dh' fhògair uam mo shlàinte.

Tha thusa shliochd nan uaislean,
'S tha mise shliochd na tuatha,
Gu 'n robh mi deanamh suas riut,
Gu 'n d' fhuaireadh ann a' sàs mi.

125

126 THK MACDONAI.D roi.[,i.;( i |f )\ or GABLIC POETRT.

OKAN MOLAIDH DO DH' UISDEAN DOMH-
NULLACH, Fear Mhoghustot 's an Eilein
Sgiathanach.

Deoch-slainte Mhr Uisdean,

Le dùrachd, cuir thairis i ;

Cha sorainn-sa na crìiin,

Chur le dùrachd 'ga ceannach dhuit;

Deoch-slàinte 'n uasail chliuitich,

A dhiult a' bhi aineolach,

Tha eireachdas mac diuca,

'Na d' ghniiis, 'nuair a sheallas tu.

Cha d' sheas e 'm bròig, air talamh feòir,

Aon fhleasgach òg thug barrachd ort;

Am blastachd beòil, no maise neòil,

Gun d' sheas thu chòir, 's cha b' annasach;

Gun d' sheas thu ris an dualchas,

O'n fhuair thu, gun cheannach i ;

O'n chraoibh 's an deach do bhuain,

As a' chuaich nach robh mearachdach.

Bu torach stoc na cuaiche,

O'n d' fhuaireadh an sloinneadh ud ;

Domhnullaich a' chruadail,

Do 'm bu dual 'bhi 's na h-eileinean •,

Bidh coltas an fhuathais,

O'n gruaidh as an t-soìlleireachd,

'S iad chuireadh aodach ruadh

Cho na ruaige, nan toileadh iad.

Cridhe blàth, bu mheasail fàilt',
O bhrollach àrd nan tighearnan ;
*S cha 'n 'eil àit' san cuir thu fàilt',
Nach canar sàr fhear cinnidh riut:
Coiir an àigh 's an d' rinn thu fàs,
Bhios gu brath fo dhuilleagan ;
Craobh eireachdais a' gharaidh,
Nach gearrta gun rahilleadh i.

ORAN MOLAIDH DO DIl" LISDKAX DOMHNULLACH. 127

'S tu maraiche nan tonn,

'Stiuireadh long fo cuid chrannagan ;

'N tuigse bha 'ua d' chom,

B' fhearr na compaist is glaineachan ;

Gu'n toireadh do chomaund i,

O ainneart na maranan ;

Ged bhiodh an stoirm a' tòcadh,

'S a' sròiceadh a canabhais.

Gheibhte' cluaran air a gualainn,

'S coltas gruamach, carrach air ;

Gheibhte' gìgean, gheibhte' fraoch ann ;

Gheibhte' craobh dheth 'n darach ann :

Dreagan, agus cuilein daor,

'Ga chumail taobh na mara dhith ;

Is piob nam feadan caola

Ro glaodhaich 'sa charachadh.

'Nuair rachadh tu do 'n gharbhlach,
A shealg air na h-eilidean,
Le paidhir chon bhiodh earb',
Air a tearbadh le d' pheileirean ;
Le gunna bharail airgid,
A dhearbhadh 's nach ceileadh e ;
'S do ghillean troma tarbhach,
Le eallachan 's na doireachan.

Bhiodh mac-an-fheidh, bu ghile bèin,
A' sileadh chreuchd 's na fireachan,
Miolchoin sheanga ruith na dhèigh,
Dheanadh euchd mu 'n tilleadh iad :
Spàinteach ghleusda 's barrant bèus,
Nach facas èigin tein' orra,
Bhiodh sithionn agus bein,
Feadh an t-slèibhe 'gan cruinneachadh.

'Nuair rachadh tu 'nad' dhiallaid,

'S na ciadan a' fantuinn riut,

Cha do sheall e 'n grian,

Aon mhac iarl' bheireadh barrachd ort ;

Le fàlairidh chinn fhiadhain,

Air iorcras gu marcrachadh ;

Mar dhealanach na h-iarmailt,

'Dol sios do na batalean.

128 THE MACDONALD COLLBCTION OF GAELIC POETRT.

Bhiodh claidheamh òir, an laimh an t-seòid,

An gairdein feòl' nach taisicheadh,

An ealtuinu ghrinn, bu ghuinneach ruinn,

Gu togail chis is chreachanan,

Sgoltadh chruachan agus dhruim,

A pronnadh chinn 's an aslomairt;

Le buillean troma, cinnteach,

'S na miltean gun cairtealan.

MARBHRANN DO SHBUMAS DOMHNULLACH. 129

MARBHRANN DO SHEUMUS DOMHNUL-
LACH, Fear Bhaile RaghnuiU, an Uidhist.
Le Domhnull MacGilleain, an (!*airinis.

'S GUB a mise tha duìlich,
'S mòr mo mhulad 's an uair so,
O 'n a chuala mi 'n naigheachd
Nach mairionn fear ra' fhuasglaidh,
Gur e Fear Bhaile-Ràghaill
Tha mi 'gràdh, an sàr uasal,
E bhi 'na laidhe 's a' chaibeal
Ann an cadal gun ghluasad.

Fear t' eugaisg cha 'n fhaic mi,

Ann am maise 's an uaisle,

Cha robh uireasbhuidh dealbh ort

'S bu neo-chearbach do ghluasad;

Ann a' sgoltadh a cheartais,

Cò an neach a fhuair buaidh ort

'S mòr an call anns an tir so,

Thu 'bhi 'na d' shìneadh 's an uair so.

Bu tu bàilidh na tuatha

Nach bu chruaidh an am eigin

Ann an toiseach a' ghanntair,

'S gun neach ann dheanadh feum dhaibh,

Bha do sporran gun chruaidh-shnaim,

'S rinn thu fuasgladh bha feumail,

'S mur biodh tu 's an àite

Gun do bhàsaich na ceudan.

Chuid de 'n t-sluagh a bha tuigseach,
'S a thuigeadh an ceartas,
Thug iadsan mòr speis dhuit,
'S bu tu fein an cul-taice ;
Ach luchd an droch ghiulain
Luchd an spùilidh 's na braide,
Theicheadh iad do na cìiilean
Ro' 'n t-suil a bha smachdail.

130 THB MACDONALD OOLLBCTION OF OABLIC POBTRT.

Tha do mhac ann a d' àite

'S mòr an gràdh thug thu fein da,

'S e mo ghuidhe 's mo dhùrachd

Ann8 gach cùis e bhi steidheil,

E bhi rianail 'na chleachdadh

'S e bhi smachdail mar dh' fheumas,

Is e chuimhneachadh tràthail

Qun tàr e 'nad' dheigh-sa.

Tha am bàs ri bhi teachd oirnn
Le deagh reachd air a steidheadh,
'S cha 'n fhaodar a sheachnadh
Le neach tha fo 'n ghrein so ;
'Nuair thig am dhuinn bhi siubhal
Air slighe na deuchainn,
Cha dean eolas no tuigse,
No lighichean, feum dhuinn.

Ciod am fath 'bhi fo mhulad,

Cha dean tuireadh dad feum dhuinn,

'S ann 'tha aobhar 'bhi subhach,

'Nan tuigeamaid fein e,

B' e dearbh bharail na muinntir

A bha dlìith dhuit 'nuair dh' eug thu,

Gun deach thu chum glòire,

'S tha mise 'n dòchas nach breug sud.

MARBHRAXN DO DH' AONGHAS DOMHNULLACH. 131

MARBHRANN DO DH' AONGHAS DOMH-
NULLACH, Fear iia Ceapaich. Le Domhnull
Mac-a-Phearsain a bha 'n Inbhernaidh.

'S ciANAiL duilich mi 'n dràsd',

'S goirt an saighead tha sàs a' m' fheòil ;

Bho 'n a chualas do bhàs,

Fhir a ghabhadh ar pàirt 's a' chòir;

A sheasadh gramail ri 'r cìil,

'N uair a bhiodh luchd diumb tigh'nn oirnn,

An diugh 'ga d' chàradh 's an ùir,

Ann an ciste chaol dhuinte bhòrd.

'S lionmhor aon de chlann daoin',
A tha aimideach faoin 'nan dòigh,
'S iad am barail gu 'm faod
lad fantuinn 's an t-saoghal-s' beò ;
Cha 'n 'eil nithean ann daibh
Ach mar bhruadar no boilsge ceò,
Air fhad 's ga 'm bi 'n t-sreang
Gu 'n giorraich an ceann aic' oirnn.

Aonghuis Oig a chùil rèidh

Bho Cheapaich nan gèug 's nan craobh,

Dh' fhàg thu sinne gu lèir

Fo mhiìlad 'na d' dhèigh ri caoidh ;

'S bho nach fhaic sinn thu fein

'N ar cuideachd mar b' èibhinn leinn ;

Tha mo dhòchas 'm Mac Dhè

Gun do choisinn do bhèus dhuit sìth.

Sud bu mhiann leat bho thiìs,

'N uair a bha thu 'na d' fhiuran òg,

Do ghillean dhuit dlùth

'N am dìreadh nan stùc-bheann mòr;

Gunna glaic 'thig bho 'n bhiith

Bhi 'na d' achlais nach diult ri òrd ;

'N uair a chaogadh tu 'n t-sùil,

Bhiodh fìadh nan eang dliìth fo leòn.

132 THB MACDONAIiD OOLLBCTION OF OABLIC POITRT.

An Cillechoirill nau cèud,

Chaidh an diubhail fo dhion nam bòrd,

Anns a chaol anart ghrinn,

'S nach èirich thu dh' innse sgeòil ;

'Nan d' thug spionnadh nan daoin'

Thu dh' ionnsuidh an t-saoghail beò,

'S lionmhor aon le 'n toil fein

'Bachadh uUarah air ghlèus, 's cha bhòsd.

Bha na h-Abraich gun sunnd,

Qnn aighear ach tùrs' is bròn,

Bho 'n a dh' fhalaich an ùir

Fear t' aogais, 's b' e 'n diubhail oirnn ;

Cha 'n fhaicear gu bràth

Fear bu ghasda 's a b' fhearr 's gach dòigh ;

Cridhe fialaidh gun fhoill,

Thug thu dorchna na h-oidhche oirnn.

Dh' fhalbh an Samhradh 's a ghrian,
Mar chitheadh sibh grian nan speùr,
'S i dol deiseal an iar,
'S nach mùch i do shiantan brèun ;
Fhad 's a bha thu 'n' ar ceann
Thu 'g ar riaghladh gach am le rèit ;
• S goirt an diugh oimn ri chainnt
Nach fhaic sinn thu ann ri 'r fèum.

'8 ged dh' fhag thu sinne bochd, truagh,
'Gad' ionndrainn uainn 's gach dòigh ;
'8 goirt leam cridh' do mhna-uaisl'
A cèile thoirt uaith cho òg :
Bu chuis fharmaid do chàch
Sibh le cheil' fhad 'sa bha thu beò,
Ach rinn teachdaire 'bhàis
Sin a thionndadh an dràsd' gu bròn.

'S mòr an gradh thug thu fein da,
Thainig Geamhradh nan siantan
Sinn gun fhasgadh, gun dion,
'S e do bhàs 'chuir an deuchuinn oimn ;

MARBHRANN DO DH' AONGHAS DOMHNULLACH. 133

Ach bidh sinn uile gu lèir,

A toirt taing do Mhac Dhè na glòir,

Gun d' fhag e 'na dhèigh

Na sheasas an treud 's a' chòir.

Glacaibh niisneach an dràsd',

'S na bithibh fo phràmh, no caoidh,

'S gur e 'm peacadh aig Adhamh

'Choisinn am bàs so dhuinn ;

Am fear is faide gheibh dàil,

Ged bhiodh e cho àrd ri righ,

Thig crioch air a' là

Cho cinnteach 's a tha mi 'g inns'.

134 THB MACDONALD CX3LLBCTrON OF OABLIC POETRT.

MARBHRANN DO CHOIRNEAL DOMHNUL-
LACH, Iniise. Leis a Ghobha Bhan.

Am sgenl a fhuaras bho u Bhraiglie,

Tha e cruaidh leam ri àireamh,

Guu thu 'iiieasbuig biii làthair;

'8 goirt an call fhuair do chàirdeau,

'S lionmhor cridhe tha cràiteach

Bho 'n a chriochuaich do laibheau 'ìj uach beò.

'S mor au call air au tir ud,

A chaiU Còrneiieir Innse,

Fhuair thu ciiù thar ua miiteau,

Air son naimhdean a chiosnach' ;

'S iad do chàirdean a chi sin,

Bho 'n a chaidh do chorp prìseil fo 'n fhòd.

An am togail do lice,

Bu bhochd truagh a bha 'm misneachd,

Bha 'n sùilean cho silteach

'S ged a sgiuirste le cuip iad ;

'S ann bha aobhar an clisgidh

Air a chàradh 's a chistidh fo 'n bhòrd.

Bha do chàirdean làn èibhneis,

'Nuair a fhuair iad an sgèul ud,

Thu 'bhi a' d' chòirneileir rèis'meid,

Ann an Caisteal Dhunèidean ;

Ach, mo chreach ! cha bu lèir dhaibh

Gu'n robh teachdair' Mhic Dhè air do thòir.

'S cruaidh an t-òrdugh a fhuair thu,

Ach 'se Dia a chuir uaith e,

Bha t-athair bochd, truagh dheth,

'8 nach fac e 's an uair thu,

Ach 'bhi cluinntinn mu d' chruadal,

'8 nach b' urrainn dhuit gluasad gu Inns'.

MARBHBANN DO CHOIRXEAL DOMHNULLACH. 135

Fhuair thu cliù agus teist'neas,

Bho àrd-cheanuardan Bhreatuinn,

Air an cùl a' bhi seasamh,

Anns gach cùis bha thu dleas'nach;

B' e do dhurachd gun cheisd e

Bho 'n la thòisich thu 'n leisgeul an righ.

Bho 'n thog thu 'n claidheamh an àirde,

Ann an aghaidh a naimhdean ;

Bu tu rogha 'chomanndair

'Chuir as do na Frangaich ;

'S iomadh coinneamh gu 'n call-san

Thug thu Bhonipart thall anns gach tìr.

Tha do shuaicheantas prìseil,

Ri fhaicinn an Innse,

Fhuair thu 'ghibhte bho 'n righ e ;

Bha do sheirbheis dha dìleas,

'S tu nach deanadh a dhiobairt:

Reultan dealrach ro rìmheach de 'n òr.

Le làn òrdugh an caitheamh,

'Measg uaislean is mhaithean;

B' e cruadal do lamhan,

Is a bhuaidh bh' air do chlaidheamh,

Chuir an duais ud a' d' rathad,

'S cha bu shuarach an leithid bho 'u rìgh.

Tha Clann Domhnuill a' gearan,

'S Morair Hundaidh do charaid,

Tha 's na mìltean a bharrachd,

An ùir a dhol tharud ;

'8 tha mi 'n dòchas nach aithreach,

Gu'n d' thug Criosda leis t' anam gu sìth.

'S lionmhor caraid tha truagh dheth,

'Bhi 'ga d' ionndrainn-sa uapa,

An ti 'n misneach is cruadal;

Na maireadh tu buan daibh;

Dheanadh t' fhacal dhaibh fuasgladh,

'S iomadh fear dhiubh bhiodh duais dha bho 'n righ.

136 THB MACDONALD OOLLBCTION OP OAELIC POBTKY.

'Nuair a dh' fhalbh thu do 'n Eiphifc,

Bha do bhean air a lèireadh,

Chòin ! cha b' ioghnadh dhi fein sud

Ged a thìll thu na dheigh sin;

Ach, mo chreach ! bho 'n a dh' eug thu,

Cha dean i gàir eibhinn a chaoidh.

'S cruaidh 'bhi 'g eisdeachd a gearain,
'S beag an t-ioghnadh 's i falamh,
Chaill i roghainn de dh' fhearaibh,
De na dh' fhagadh air thalamh ;
'Nam bu dual da bhi maireann
'S e b' uachd'ran air Baile-na-riogb:ich;I.

Cha b' e turus na buannachd,

Thug air astar a suas thu

Thaobh Loch-Lagain naui f uar-bheann ;

'S goirt an acaid a bhuail thu,

Dh' fhag sinn uile fo smuairean

Chuir a chadal gu buan anns a chiU.

An Cillechoirill 's a' Bhràighe,

Chaidh an diubhail a chàradh, .

An leabaidh gun bhlàs innt' ;

Chraobh a b' fhearr a bha fàs dhuinn,

'Nuair a fhuaras fo bhlàth i

Chaidh a gearradh 's bu chaillteach sud dhuinu.

Tha mo dhòchas gu làidir,
Anns an stoc a chaidh fhàgail,
Gu 'ra bheil sprùtais a fàs as,
Sheasas fathasd do làrach ;
Ma shìnear dhaibh laithean,
Ghleidheas urram is càirdeas gun dìth.
Tha mo dhòchas 's an Trianaid
Thug dbuit cuireadh do 'n t-siorr'achd,
Gu bheil t' anam an siochaint,
Air a ghleidheadh an Criosda :
Saor bho dhòruinn 's bho phiantan,
Anns na flaitheas am fiannuis an Righ.

ORAK GAOIL,

137

ORAN GAOIL.

Leis an Urramach Ruairidh JJomhnullach, Ministeir
na Hearradh.

'S ANN an Uidliist an eorna

Tha 'n cailinu bòidiieacli cimn rèidh,

Do'n d' thug mi 'n gaol falaich

'S cha b' aithreach leam e;

Nighean chiallach chiuin shocair

'S i tosdach 'na beus :

O'n is toil leam mo nigh'nag,

'S toil le m' nigh'naig mi fèin.

Cha 'n 'eil aogasg mo leannain
Ach ainneamh fo 'n ghrèin :
Tha i siobhalta baindidh,
'S cha 'n 'eil meang innt' no beud;
Aghaidh fhlathail gun ghruaimean
Binn mo bhuaireadh measg cheud :
'S mar is toil leam mo nighnag
'S toil le m' nigh'naig mi fein.

Cha 'n e bòidhchead do phearsa
Ged tha i maiseach leam fein,
No ruthadh do ghruadhach
Ged thug i buaidh air gach te,
Ach na ceatainean àluinn
A tha fàs riut 's gach ceum,
Chuir mo chion air a' nigh'naig
Thar gach nigh'naig fo 'n ghrein.

Gur e mis' tha gun cheanal,
Aig a' bhaile leam fein;
Bi mi daonnan fo mhighean
O nach cluinn mi uat sgeul :
Nach faigh mi litir o m' leannan
A chur nan naigheachd an ceill ;
'S mar is toil leam an nigh'nag
'S toil le m' nigh'naìg mi fein.

1S8 THB MACDOXALD OOLLECTION OF OABLIC POBTBT.

Gha 'n e dh' fhàgadh mi brònach,

A bhi gun stòras gun sprèidh ;

Ach nach faodainn bhi pòsda

Aig nigh'n òg nan rosg sèimh :

B' anns' bhi 'm bothan an fhasaich,

Is sinn a' mànran leinn fein,

Na bhi 'n aitreamh nan righrean

As aonais brìodal do bheil.

Ciod am fath dhomh bhi brònach,

Is nio dhòchas cho treiin,

Gu 'm bi mi fathast riut pòsda

Le òrdugh bho 'n chleir :

Cha teid crioch air ar sòlas

Fhad 's is beò sinn le cheil',

'S bi mi maille ri m' nigh'naig

'S bi mo nigh'nag leam fein.

ORAK a' chlo, 199

OEAN A' CHLO.

Leis an Urramach Kuairidh Domhiiuiiach, Ministeir
na.JbLeairadii.

m

S£iSD — A bheau agapiu fJiiu

'iS maith a chireas i clòimhj

Ged a tha i gle fhìuealt,

'S beag a th' innte dhe 'u phròis.

A bheau a tha u Sgarastaidh,
'S i ui 'u t-aodach ueo-chearbach ;
Bithidh dubh agus dearg aun,
'S e bhios aiumeal au clò.
A bheau agam fhiu, àc.

Cha bhi lasgair uo seaigair,
Nach bi 'g iarraidh dheth baragau,
'N am bhi siubhal a' gharbhlaich
'S a' bhi sealg damh uau cròc.
A bheau agam fÌLÌu, àc.

Ged a bhiodh iad ag ialladh,
'S a faibh air am Liiau leis,
Cha tig toll air uo liabadh ;
'S maith au suiomh bh' air a' chlò.
A bheau agam fhiu, (tec.

'Nuair thig geamhradh is fuachd oirun
Theid mi dh' Uidhist air chuairt leis;
H-uile h-aon bi 'g radh " Bhuaiun e !"
Mr. Ruairidh le chlò.

A bhean agam fhin, &c.

'Nuair thig Samhradh is Cèitein
Theid mi mach do Dhuneidean ;
'S 'uuair a chruiuuicheas a chlèir
Gur mi ui 'u fhèill air a' chlò.
A bheau agam fhin, &c.

140 THK MACDONALl) COLLECTION OF OAELIC POKTRY.

'S 'nuair thilleas mi Sgarastaidh,
'S i mo bhean a bhios foirmeil,
Leis gach riomhadh a cheannaichear
Le airgiod a' chlò !

A bhean agam fhin, &c.

URAN GAOIL.

141

ORAN GAOIL. Leis an Urramach lain Tormad
DomhnuUach, Ministeir na Hearradh, ann an
ainm Ministeir Uidhist a' Chinn-a-Tuath.

Anns a' Mhaduinn chiuin Cheitein
'S a ghrian ag eirigh le deàrrsadh,
Tilgeadh lainnir 's na speuraibh
'S na neoil a' treigsinn nan àrd-bheann ;
'S aoibhneach glinn agus sleibhtean,
Gach aon chreutair ri mànran,
'S nadur ait 'dol na h-eideadh,
'S i sior ghleusadh a clàrsaich.

Chluinn mi tòrman nan stuadh

A' tigh'n o chuan nan tonn gàireach,

A' luth mhire 's a' cluaineis,

Air raona luaighte' na tràghad ;

Ceol is binne cha chuala,

'S cha chluinn mo chluasan gu bràth e,

Na guth h-ainnir a bhuair mi,

Sineag uasal nam blàth-shul.

Chluinn mi 'n uiseag bheag cheòlar ;
Chluinn mi 'n smeorach le chèile :
Chluinn mi 'n lach air an lònan,
'S na aighean òga ri geumnaich ;
Chluinn mi bhanarach bhòidheach,
A muigh ri fògairt na sprèidhe,
Gach aon le mire na h-oige,
A' seinn an orain gun eislein.

Ach cia mar sheinneas mis' òran,

A'm' shuidhe m' sheomar 's gun bhlàths ann,

Gun mhnaoi gun nighean gun òig-fhear,

Gun leanabh òg gun cheol gàire.

Cha robh riamh o'n a thòisich

Breith is pòsadh is bàs ann,

Fear nach cinneadh dha sòlas

Le righinn òig bheireadh gràdh dha.

142 THB MACDONALD OOLLBCTION OF OABLIC POETRT.

A Charra-chruim tha thu gòrach
Threig an òige gu bràth thu ;
Thuit an aois ort a dh' fhògair
Gach mais' is eolas is àgh uat :
C'uim an truaigh' nach do phòs thu
'Nuair bha thu og ri Beinn Mhàgh'ri ?
No ri Mairibheal cheòlar
Le sliosan bòidheach 's le blàthan ?

A Charra-Chruim tha thu gòrach,
'S tha mise gòrach tha làmh riut ;
Ag amharc sios air Loch Hòstadh
Le cheile 's brònach ar càradh :
B' fhearr leam fhein na mo chòta,
Mo spreidh, mo stòras, is m' àirneis,
Gu 'n robh rai 'n ceangal a' phòsaidh
Ri Siònaig Oig Bhaile-Ràghnuill.

C'aite 'm facas air fòd

Ag imeachd òg-bheau a's àiUe,

Slios mar eal' aìr an lòn

Is beul is bòiche ni gàire ;

Cha robh maise bh' air òigh,

O'n bha Eubha pòsda ri Adhamh,

Nach 'eil co-misgte còmhladh

An Siònaig Oig Bhaile-Ràghnuill.

Fios gu m' charaid 's m' fhear-eolais,
Tha 'n diugh na ònar mar b' àbhaist,
Maighstir lain MacDhomhnuill,
Gur mòr a ghòraich 's an t-ànrath,
Dha fein le cinnt agus dhomhsa,
Bhi cho fad gun phòsadh 's a tha sinn,
'S lionmhor tubaist 's droch còdhail,
Tha lorg ar seorsa 's gach àite.

CUIDBACHADH MHAIGHSTIB UISDBAN. 143

CUIDEACHADH MHAIGHSTIR UISDEAN.

Leis an Urramach lain Tormad MacDhomlinuill,
Ministeir na Hearradh.

Tapadh leat a Mhaighstir XJisdean,
'S mòr do bhiùthas, 's maith do chòir air,
Dhùisg thu iongantas 's an dùthaich,
O'n dh' iiraich thu dhuinn an t-òran ;
Meal do chiall, do rian, 's do thiirainn,
Do chruit chiuil, do chliù, 's do mhòrchuis,
Dh' fhàg thu na bàird air do chixlthaobh,
Na chaidh a nuU, 's na bheil beò dhiubh.

Cha d' iarr thu ban-dia gu beirm,

No gu deagh sheirm a chur ri d' òran,

Dh' fhoghnadh conaltradh an sgairbh leat,

A chuir thu 'na ghairg' air fògradh ;

Dh' fhoghnadh sud no còmhrag tairbh,

'Nuair chuir e 'n riochd mairbh lain MacDhomhnuill :

Cha d' thiìirling Spiorad na seirbh' ort,

Sheinn thu gun cheilg mar bu chòir dhuit.

Laidh an cumhachd mòr ud diamhair,

Fad iomadh bliadhna, ann a' d' eanchain,

Bodhar balbh gu 'm b' fhada shios e,

Gun dùil e theachd a nios ri d' aimsir ;

Shaoil na h-eileinean an lar,

Nach gluaiste gu siorruidh le tarbh e,

'S nach togte nuas e o'n iochdar :

Ach tha 'n sgèul ud fìor mar dhearbhar.

Mar a bha righ mòr na h-iamiailt,

A' dol a dh' iasgach na bèiste,

Cuairteag an aigeil bha riamh,

'S a chuan a dh' iadh mu 'n chruinne-cè-so ;

Ghlac e tarbh nam beannta fìadhaich,

'S a cheann ìs iallan gti *n d' rèub e,

Thilg e sud 's a' chuan mar bhiathadh,

'S thog e bhiasd a nios air eiginn.

144 THE MACDONALD OOLLECTION OF OABLIC POBTRT.

Nuair ghabh thu thugad a chlàrsach,

O ghèugaibh àrda na craoibhe,

Ri taobh thruth iian gleanntan fàsail,

Far an d' fhàg na bàird a chaoidh i ;

Shìn thu teudan òir gu dàna,

'S ghleus thu ni b' fhearr na clann Fhinn i:

Chualas a f uaim anns gach àite ;

Ceòl a b' fhearr gu bràth cha chluinntear.

Chualas a ceòl anns gach cearn,

'S gun cainte 's gach àite nach b' fhaoin e ;

'S ann a mach o chladach Bhearnraidh,

Bu ghile tràigh, 's bu chaoine,

Dh' èirich an luinneag a b' àille

Na chual' Adhamh 'measg nan craobh,

'Nuair sheinn a cheòlraidh bhinn 's a' ghàradh,

Seal mu 'n do bhàsaich clann daoine.

Sguir gach òrgan, sguir gach clàrsach,

Sguir gach bàrd, 's gun d' thamh luchd theuda,

Sguir na h-eòin 's na coilltean fàsail,

Sguir banarach shàr na sprèidhe ;

Sheas na fèidh air bheanntan àrda,

'S dh' amhairc iad an àird nan spèuran ;

'S na sgairbh a bha 'n Caolas Sgàire,

Theann iad na bu dàine dh' èisdeachd.

Shaoil mi fein gu'n robh mi 'n uair sin,

'S an Eilein Uaine air aoidheachd,

Far an ciuine 'm bi na cuantan,

'S an suaimhniche 'm bi na glinntean ;

Far ara bi iarmailtean suairce,

Gun neòil luasganach, gun ghaoith ann :

Oige 'dearrsadh air na gruaidhean,

'S cha bhi caochladh snuadh a chaoidh ann.

'Sìtheil na h-achaidh, 's na rèidhlich,

Na coiltean gu lèìr ri òran,

Ri taobh nan aimhnichean èibhinn,

An òigridh a lèum le sòlas :

An talla nan coinnlean cèireach, s

Tha fuaim bìnn nan teudan òrbhuidh ;

'Nuaìr 'lionar sligean na fèusda,

Theid gach bèul air ghlèus gu òran.

CUIDBACHADH MHAIGHSTIR UISDEAN. 145

Is clann Kigh Lochlann, na h-òighean,
Bu bhòiche bha riamh 's an tìr so,
Bu bhinne 'n ceileireadh sòlais,
Na aon cheòl bhiodh ann an sìth-bhruth;
'Nuair chuireadh iad fonn fo 'n òran,
Oidhche bhòidheach air Lochbì dhuinn,
Bhiodh na glinn, 's na tuinn gu h-òrdail,
Comh-fhreagairt do 'n ceòl fad mhìlltean.

Ge geal air a chuan an èiteag,
'S an canach slèibhe ge mìn e,
Ge geal an sneachd' o na spèuran,
Gur gile 'n lèinntean, 's gur mìne ;
'Nuair a chual' iad fuaim nan tèudan,
Dh' fhàg iad an èididhean riomhach,
'S b' àillidh an gniiisean, 's an èugaisg,
Na aon sèud thig as na h-Innsean.

B' fhada faire na fir-bhrèige,

Fo thoirm spèur, 's fo mharcach-sìthne,

Thàrladh a nis an cruth fèin dhaibh,

'S ann aca bha 'n sgèul ri ìnnse ;

Clach-an-truiseil b' àrd a dh' eigh i,

Bha guth trèun aca na lìnnse,

C' àit' a bheil Clach mhòr a Chèidhe?

'S mòr am bèud mur 'eil i cluinntinn.

Os cionn an lochain dhuibh dhikdlaidh,
Bu trom, 's bu tiirsach, 's bu chianail,
Cadal fada nighean na Bùraich,
Gun dùil ri dùsgadh gu siorruidh ;
A leanabh maoth air a cvilthaobh,
Ged nach fac' a siiil-se riamh e,
Rinn an ceileir bìnn a dùsgadh,
O dhiìs-neul na mìltean bliadhna.

Na fir a bha air an dìinadh

An Tomnahiuraich fad lìnntean,

Fo cheangal, le geasan diìbailt',

Dh' fhosgail an suil, dhiiisg an innsgin ;

Chrath iad am falt air an cùlthaobh,

Dh' fhalbh gach smal, 's gach smùr a chaoidh dhiubh :

Thilg iad an geirahìean 's na ciiiltean,

'S b' iad fèin na fiughantaich aoidheil.

10

146 THB MACDONALD COLLBOTION OF GABLIC POBTRT.

Ach mo chàs ! a Mhaighstir Uisdean,
Thig droch cùmhradh air an rioghachd,
Ma sguireas do dhàn, o'n dhùisg thu
Na diiimhlaich ud air an uinnlean ;
Creach, is teine, 's claidhnean riiisgte,
Colluinnean gun lìiths, gun chinn orr',
Mort, is marbhadh, luaidhe, 's fùdar,
So an dùthaich a bhios claoidhte.

Ach 's ann a bha 'n liprait, 's am fuathas,
Os cionn nan stuadhan glas, èitidh,
An Griminis 'nuair a luaisgeadh,
An cnoc uaine nuas o'n dh' èirich;
Claigionn Odair làn de spuaicean,
Le mhalaidhean gruamach, 's le fhèusaig ;
Falt air dhroch cìreadh mu chluasan,
Bu chulaidh uamhais gu lèir e.

Bha dhà shùil mar ghrian ag èiridh,

O chuan èitidh mhaduinn gheamhraidh,

Bu gleodha 'nan uaigh a bhèul,

Le ceathach brèun a tigh'nn le srann as ;

Bha 'n duslach a measg a dhèudaich,

Ri ! bu dèistinneach an samhl' e,

Chlisg an eunlaith anns na spèuran,

'B theich gach creutair as na dheannruitb.

'Nuair a chrath e 'n ìiir as fhiaclan,
A chiabhagan liath, 's as fhèusaig,
Leig e sgairt as, chrith an iarmailt,
Chrith an cuan an iar, 's na sleibhtean ;
" Cà' 'eil mo chorp? grad thoir a nios e,
Mur deach a riasladh as a cheile,
Ged dh' ithinn, 's ged dh' òlainn gu siorruidh,
Cha riaraich sud trian de m' èislein."

Ge trèun an saighdeir tha Bhàlaidh,
'S anns na blàir ge neothar thaingeil,
Theich e, 's bu mhòr an càs leinn,
Nach b' fhearr e na coilleach Frangach ;
Spàrr e cheann fo chòta mhàthar,
'S chluinnt' a ràn cho fad is Langais;
'S ged a bha batraidh ceart lamh ris,
Cha d' fhuiling e tàir' no ainneart.

CUIDEACHADH MHAIGH8T1R UI8DEAN. 147

Bha Fear Scolpaig air a lèireadh,

Ghabh e 'n ratreuta na dheannaibh,

Cha tugadh e sùil na dhèigh,

Ged dh' eighte dha Breatunn fo bhannaibh;

Mar a ni ostrich 'na h-eiginn,

A ceann a chur fo ghèig a falach,

Shàth e cheann 's an fheamainn-chèirein,

'S dh' fhàg e fheamainn fèin ri gealaich.

Dh' amhairc an claigionn mu 'n cuairt dha,
'S mhothaich e 's an uair da choluinn,
Chaidh e fo thrioblaid, 's fo thuairgneadh,
'S thuirt e, " Leam a nuas !" gu corrail;
'S e m' aiteas bhi air do ghuaillean,
Ach mo thruaighe ! chaidh mo ghonadh,
Tha do mheud air fàs cho suarach,
'S nach lion do chruachain mo bhonaid.

Chlisg Fear Scolpaig, leum e suas,

Le sùrdagan luath thug e 'n tràigh air,

Le sìiil ri dol as o thuasaid,

Fo chlaidhimh cruaidh Sheumais Bhàlaidh;

Dh' fhòghnadh sud, an ceann 's na cluasan,

A bh' air a ghuaillean mar tha leis,

Bu bheag a thoirt dheth na fuamhairean,

A fhuaìr dhiubh còrr is a b' fheairrd iad.

'S maith thu fèin, a Mhaighstir Uisdean,
'S mòr do chliii, 's gur maith do chòir air,
Tha sinn fo chomain as ùr dhuit,
O'n dh' èisd sinn ri d' thùchan òrain ;
Glèus gu'n robh air t' ional ciuil,
Gu bràth na robh tùchadh no bròn air,
Cha 'n 'eil maighdean òg 's an dùi,haich,
An diugh nach dùraigeadh pòg dhuit.

148 THK MACDONALD COLLBCTION OF QAXLIO POXTBT.

CUMHA DO MHACLEOID DHUNBHEAGAIN.

Tha mulad mòr, tha mi-ghean orm,
'S neo-bhinn ua bheil mi clàistinn,
Tha 'n sgeul tha daoine 'g innse dhomh
Air toirt claoidh 'nam shlainte;
Tha mulad raòr gun teagarah orra,
An t-sion a chràidh 's a ghreatan mi ;
Gur lionmhor neach do'n leth-trom e
Dunbheagain 'bhi 'na fhàsach.

Cha teid mi 'm bliadhn' air chèilidh ann,
'S neo-eibhin leam a tha iad,
Gun taoiteir ann, gun mhaighstir,
Ri 'n dean mo chridhe gàire ;
Cha d' fhuair mi ach na ònar e
Far 'n do chleachd a mhorchuis 'bhi,
Fuar, falamh, fàs na sheomraichibh,
An tric 'n do dh' òl mi fàilte.

Ach 's diumbach air an uair-sa mi
Mu 'n chuairt sin thug am bàs duit,
Gxin tug e 'ra fiuran suairce uam
Cho uasal 's 'bha 's a' chearn so,

A mac sin Ruairidh

A' d' dheigh bha daoine galach, bochd,
Do cheile mhaith a sgarradh uat,
'S bha Alastair dheth cràiteach.

Na 'm b' easbhuidh stòir, no feudalach,

A b' aobhar euslan dhùinne,

Bu lughaid 'bhithte ag acain deth,

Bhi t' fhaicinn làn de churam ;

'S e fàth mo bhròin 's bu dligheach e,

'S a ghoimh iomadh cridhe fìr,

Eadar erard agus li'chead

Do nighean bhi fo ghiuras.

CUMHA DO MHACLEOID DHUNBHEAGAIN. 149

Gur iomadh crioch ga thuilleadh sin,
Nach b' ionann dhomh 's do dhùthaich,
Bha daoin' am bròn, gun aiteas ann,
Mu 'n mhac sin dh' fhag an crùnair;
Bha deagh Mhac Mhic 'ic Alastair,
Bha 'n caiptean bha 'n Siol Ailein ann;
Bha 'n t-ardan uile maille riuth'
'S bha 'n garrach dubh o'n Ghiubhsaich.

Bha 'nàbuidh mac Sir Domhnull ann,

'S an cinneadh mòr Siol Uisdein,

Gun dearbhainn gu'n robh mulad orr'

'Nuair chuir iad anns an ìiir thu ;

Mac Fhionaghainn, sgeul bu duilich leam,

Clann Choinnich, mheud 's a chunnaic mi,

Do bhàs mar chall gun bhuinig

Do gach duine riamh ghabh iuil ort.

160 THB MACDONALD COLLECTION OF GABUC POBTRY.

SATH-GHAL MAIRI NIGH'N ALASDAIR
RUAIDH.

Marbhrann do Mhacleoid agus ma's fhior guu robh
e marbh.

Mo Bhàth-ghal goirt,

Mar a tà mi nochd,

'S mi gun tàmh gun fhois gun sùnnd.

'S rai gun sunnd air stàth,

Gun mo dhùil ri bhi slàn,

Tha mo shùgradh gu bràth air chìil.

'S ann tha Leòdach mo ghaoil,

'S an 01 anart chaol,

'S gun chòmhdach ri thaobh ach bùird.

'S e bhi smaointinn ort,

A chràidh mi a' m' chorp,

'S a chnàmh na roisg bho m' shùil.

Tha Macleoid ata anu,

Fo ghruaimean 's an am;

'S beag an t-ioghnadh 's e chaiU an stiùir.

Chaill e meamhair air fèin,

Nach bu chladhair measg cheud ;

'S duine thaghadh na deagh chairt iùil.

Chaill e sealgair na frìth,
Nach bu chearbach dha 'n rìgh,
AgUB seirbhiseach dileas a chrùin.

SATH-GHAL MAIRI NIGh'x ALASDAIR RUAIDH. 151

Thog na filidli ort sgeul

Air na chunnaic iad fèin,

Gu 'n robh eireachdas ceud 'n ad ghnùis.

Gu 'n robh thuigse 'na d' ghniomh

'S a thlachd 'na d' bhian,

'N a chunnaic mi riamh aig triùir.

152 THB MACDONALD OOLLSCTIOK OF GAKUC POITRT.

LE FEAR CHILLEBHRIDE AIR BAS
CHROMBAIL. 1658.

A RiGH dhùilich na cruinne !

Falbhaidh sirm uile mu dheireadh,

Cha 'n ■eii stàth dhuinn strìth ri fuireach,

Cha 'n 'eil duin' againn nach teirig;

Falbhaidh an lag 's an laidir uaibhreach,

Falbhaidh sud 's au t-uasal meaniunach ;

Falbhaidh Righ nan Coron buadhach

Is anns an uaigh cia 'n t-uasal dealbhach ?

Ge laidir 's ge neartmhor Protector na rioghachd gu leir

Ceann-uighe nan gaisgeach, 's an taice 's an lòn da reir,

Ge iomadh tùr chaisteal 's gunna praise nan scal mu chre,

Cha chumadh sud grabadh air teachdaire mear Mhic Dhe.

MARBHRAWN DO MHAC COINNICH. 153

MAEBHRANN DO MHAC COINNICH, Triath
Ghearrloch, a chaochail aiins a bhliadhna 1669.

An diugh do Ghearrloch cha teid mi,

Air chuairt, no air chèilidh,

O'n a chualas gun dh' èug thu,

Fhir thug buaidh air na ceudan,

Lamh shuairce na f èile :

Fàth mo chruaidhchais nach d' fhèud thu bhi beò.

'N am gluasad air astar dhomh,

Gu bheil smaointinean 'laidh orm,

'S mòr m' ioghnadh ri amharc air;

Tha 'n tigh gun aighear ann,

Dh' fhalbh an laoch a bha maitheasach,

Tha fear prìseil na laidhe

'N ciste chaoil, 's e gun labhairt, gun treòir.

'N deoch a b' fheàirrde sinn againn i,

Do dheoch-slainte-s' fhir aigionnaich,

Ged a shnamhadh ani bradan i ;

'S ann an Gearrloch a b' ait leinn a h-òl :

An tigh mòr a chinn bhaideilich,

Air 'm bu làidir a chlachaireachd òrd.

Chunnacas uair na do fhleasgach thu,

Air cheann sluaigh gu'm bu taitneaich thu ;

Bha cùl cuachagach casbhuidh ort,

Do chrios guaille, 's do bhreacan ort,

'Dol a bhualadh nan Sasunnach ;

B' e mo thruaighe na chasadh ort,

'Nuair a bhuaileadh an aisridh do shròn.

Mac an athar nach gèilleadh,
Do chiìis sgràth, na do dh' èucoir,
Anns gach puing bha thu trèubhach,
'S anns gach cainnt bha thu bèurra,
'S tu gun taing do luchd beurla, uo chleòc.

154 THE MACDONALD OOLLECTION OF OAKLIC POXTRY.

Bu tusa 'u t-uachdaran urramach,

B' fheàrr a chuala no chunnaic mi,

Do cheanu tuath, agus cumanda ;

Do dhaoin' uaisle bha muladach :

larraibh gràsan do 'n duine sin,

Tha agaibh 'n àite na chunna' sibh falbh.

Kigh ! gu'm b' fhoirmeil am baile sin,

'Nuair a sheirmeadh do thallachan ;

Bhiodh piob ghleadhrach ga sprangadh ann,

Sèis bhinn uan dos meallach,

'S a bhrùth dhionach gun aibheis,

'S am faighte fion, agus onoir, is ceòl,

'8 lionmhor òigeir fo iomadan,
Osna throm far nach cluinnear i,
Agus sùil tha ri silleadh ann,
Mu 'n fhear chùramach fhinealta;
Thug a shùgradh o iomadh fear;
Thu bhi 'n crùisde, 's nach sirear thu,
'S e dh' fhàg ciuirte do ghiUean, a sheòid.

CUMHA lAIN GHAIRBH. 155

CUMHA lAIN GHAIRBH. Le Phiuthair.

Tha do mhiolchoin air iallan,
'S cha triall iad do 'n nahunadh,
Gu fireach na seilge,
No garbhlach a' Chuilinn.

Sèisd — Hi-il iu ro bha hò,
Hi-il iu ro bha hò,
Hi-il iu ro bha hò,
Hi-il ò ro bha èile.

Gu fireach na seilge,

No garbhlach a Chuillinn,

Mar ri luchd nau cùl steud-bhuidh',

'S iad gun ghlèus air an gunna.

Mar ri luchd nan cùl steud-bhuidh',
'S iad gun ghleus air an gunna;
'S tha 'n saighdeir MacDhomhnuiU
'Nochd 'na sheòmar fo mhulad.

Tha 'n saighdeir MacDhomhnuill
'Nochd 'na sheòmar fo mhulad;
Gun fhidhill, gun chlàrsaich,
Gun tàileasg ri iomairt.

Gun fhidhill, gun chlàrsaich,
Gun tàileasg ri iomairt;
MacDhomhnuill nan geur-lann,
'S lòdach, dèurach, an nochd e.

MacDhomhnuill nan geur-lann,
'S lòdach, dèurach, an nochd e;
'S mìse 'm shuidh' air an fhaojlinn,
Gun fhaoilte, gun fhuran.

156 THB MACDONALD COLLBCTION OF OAEUC POKTRT.

MARBHKANN DO CHAIPTEAN MAC
COINNICH, iSuidhe, a mharbhadh an cath
ua Maoileruaidhe, 1688. Leis a Bhaid
Assinnteach.

Tha mulad tlia sgios orm,

Tha luigheau, tha gruaim,

Mu 'n a chaidh dheth 'n fhuil dhirich

Ri m' thim anns an uaigh;

Gur i naigheachd so dh' innseadh,

Dh' Ihàg mi ciunteach Diluain;

Gu bheil m' àilleagan prìseil

'Gam dhìth air an uair.

Sud an uair is mòr eislein,

Dhuibh fèin is do chàch,

'N ti chobh'readh 'nar feum sinn

Thug an t-eug uainn gun dàil ;

Soilleir dha 'n leir e

Nach i bhreug tha mi 'g radh,

Dh' fhalbh sgàthan mo shòlais

'S e fo 'n fhòd anns a charn.

Tha mi 'g radh bhrigh m' eòlais,

Ni dh' fhag leòn air mo thaobh,

Do chur fo na bòrdaibh

Dh' fhag mo sheòrs' air an claoith ;

'M feadh 's a bha thu na d' bheò-shlaint,

Cha robh bròn oimn a' d' thaobh ;

Bha thu smachdail, le mòrchuis,

Breac eòlach gach taobh.

Cha robh saobh ort an gealtachd,

Fhir ghasda mo rùin,

No cron a dh' fhaoidt' fhaicinn,

Bu mheasa na clixi ;

'Nuair a rachadh tu Shasuinn,

'S tu sgapadh na crùin ;

Tha do chèile gun aiteas

O'n là thaisg iad thu 'n ùir.

MARBHRANN DO CHAIPTBAN MAC COINNIOH. 157

Anns an ùir a tha tuineadh,
Gach aon duine bha beò ;
Cha dean tùirse dhuinn bviinig,
Theid sinn uil' air do lorg;
A Righ, saor sinn o chunnart,
'S o gach tuil tha tigh'nn oirnn ;
Cha 'n 'eil an saoghal dhuinn uile
Ach mar là diomain an ceò.

'S aon cheò dhuinn an saoghal,
A tha daonan mu 'n cuairt ;
'S gearr còmhnuidh nan daoine,
Cha 'n fhaod iad bhi buan ;
'Nuair a ghairmeas a maor sibh,
Cha 'n fhaod sibh 'bhi uaith ;
Dh' aindeoin òige thig aois oirbh
Glacaidh 'n t-aog sibh gu uaigh.

'S ann 'san uaigh chaidh an caiptean,

B' fhearr mais' e air sluagh,

Agus ceannard nam feachdan,

A b' fhearr bh' ac' 's an Taobh-tuath ;

'Nuair a racha' tu Shasuinn

Cha robh aca do luach,

No 's an Fhraing, ged b' fhad as i,

Gu 'm bu leat orra buaidh.

Buaidh Chaptein Mhic Choinnich
Nach sloinnear gu bràth,
Ann an oifigeachd eile,
No 'n eireachdas blàir;
Cha robh Màidseir, no Caiptean,
Riamh ac' thug ort bàrr :
'Laoich threin a bha gasda,
'S tu gleacadh an sbàirn.

Cha bu sbàirn ort mar dhuine,
Aon ni b' urrainn ann càch ;
Bha do threubhantas uile
Mar churraidh gun sgàth ;
'Laoich thrèin nan arm guineach
'S ann leam is duilich do bhàs ;
'S mòr an call e do 'n rioghachd
Nach do thill thu o'n bhlàr.

158 THB MACDONALD COLLBCTION OF OABLIC POETRT.

'8 e do bhàs is inòr iargain

O'n là thriall thu gu ùir,

O'n a dh' fhàs thu cho sgiamhach

'S cho fiachar an cùirt;

Gun deach' t' ainin as na criochan,

Aig 'meud 's fhuair thu chliiì,

Gu la bhràth cha teid di-chuimhn

Air iarmad mo rùin.

'8 tu chrùnadh, 's tu dhearbhadh,
'S neo-chearbach do chìiis,
Tha do mheas ann an Alba
Cho ainmeil ri diuc ;
Bu tu ceannard na h-armailt,
'S mòr do shealbh air a cùl,
Sguiridh mise dheth t-iomradh,
Phir a b' inbhaiche gnùis.

MABBHBANX DO DHUIN' UASAL. 159

MARBHRANN DO DHUIN' UASAL.

Thoib an t-soiridh no dhà bhuam,

A null mar a b' àill leam,

Gu teaghlach an àrmuinn,

Gu Aird an t-raic ;

Far an robh mi 'n tùs m' òige,

Ma' ri do mhòrachd,

'N am shuidhe mu 'n bhòrd,

Gun leom gun airc;

Mhic Moire na dàlach,

Cuir piseach air àlach,

Le beannachd an Ard-Righ

'G an àrach gun neart :

'S e sin am meas àluinn,

'G a chur 's an deagh eàrlaid,

Aig leomhan na h-Airceadh,

'S e 'g an àrach ma seach.

Mhic an fhir a bha ceutach,

'S a fhuair urram bho cheudan ;

Och ! och ! mo chreach leir,

'S e 'n t-eug rinn do leòn ;

'Nuair a chaill thu bhean cheutach,

An robh tuigs' agus reuson,

Dhe na chunnaic mi fein,

Am measg Ghaidheal no Ghall :

Bha uaisle gun àrdan,

Anns an ribhinn a b' àiUe,

Bha mais' le fiamh gàire ;

Deud bàn is rosg mall :

'S e mo chiìirradh an t-aiseag,

Leis an deach' thu do 'n chlachan,

Nach d' thainig thu dhachaigh,

'S nach faicear thu thall.

160 THB MACDONALD OOLLECTION OF OABLIC POBTRT.

'S e deireadh gach duine

Bho 'n a rinneadh ar gineadh,

'Bhi triall chum na cille

Le iomadaidh sluaigh ;

Bi an dùlan gu tilleadh

Ri urlar a' ghlinne,

'Nuair a thionndas a mhin-shuil,

'S e ar n-ionad an uaigh ;

Tha an t-eug oirnn cho gionach,

E daonnan 'g ar sireadh,

Gur a mòr e gun tiomadh, >

Ri duine, gun truas;

Ach tha m' earbs' as an Athair,

Tha shuas air a' chathair,

Gur e d' àiU' agus d' aighear,

A' bhi 'm Flaitheanas buan.

A chinn uidhe nan deòiridh

Righ na f aic rai ort dòlas !

B' e d' fhasan o d' òige

A' bhi malairt nan crùn.

Bha mi lag air do làraich

Gus 'n do rinn thu mi làidir,

Righ gu'm faic mise d' àlach

Dol an àirde le cliii :

Le furan le fàilte,

Le òl air stuth làidir,

Gun fhaighneachd co phàigheas,

Ann an àros a' chiuil :

Is nighean an àrmuinn

A' bhi 'n ionad a màthar,

Mhic Muire dean gràs

Air na dh' fhàgadh 'na d' luirg !

Gu faic mise Coinneach
A' suidheachadh fearainn,
Am bann 's an ceangal
'S am bail' aige fhèin;
Mac larla no barain,
A bhi 'g iarraidh gu Anna,
Bho dhuchas a seanar,
Air a ceangal o'n chlèir;

MAJRBHRANN DO DHUIM' WASAfc. 1$1

Bi fìr ùr air do bhanais^
Cur an fhiidair 'na dheannamh,
Gun chùmhnadh air drama,
Ach 'ga bhaileachadh siòs ;
Bi fonn air luchd ealaiu
Chi uachdar do thalla
Bi bonn aig a' cheannaich
Bho thalla nan cliar.

11

162 THl MAODOHALD COLLBCTION OP OASUG POBTRY.

MARBHRANN DO DHUIN' UASAL.

Ged tha mi dall,

Gur leir dhomh 'n call

A rug air mo ghnàth mhuinntir;

'S e triall bho thuath,

A liath mo ghruag,

'G ad chur ann am bruaich tunga,

Ann an eaglais nan ceud,

Far an cruinnich an treud,

'S e sin an sgeul ìirghlan ;

Dh' imich e uainn,

Air imrich an t-sluaigh ;

Ceann-cinnidh nam buadh cliùiteach.

Ged tha mi a' m' thosd,

Gur ann de m' olc,

Mar tha do chorp cràiteach ;

Gun cheirein lèigh,

A dol gu feum,

Dha do chre àluinn :

Is e do cheum

A b' fhearr gleus

Air gach gne ànlaimh :

Is i do shìiil

A b' fhearr tiir,

Ann am frith nan stiìc àrda.

Chunnaic mi uair

Bu lùthor luath,

Do chas air cruas fàsaich ;

Na tri chaoil,

Nach robh claon,

Snaidht' o'n taobh ràmh bhuidh' ;

Ma' ri meall

Nach robh gann,

Mar chailc ann an ceann sgàrlaid

Gruaidh mar chaor,

Snuadh mar aol,

'S uaibhreach craobh àrdain.

MARBHBANN DO DHUIN' UA8AL. 163

'N uair thogadh tu bùth

'S a leagadh tu siùil,

Ann an toiseach tùs falbha

'N uair a shealladh tu suas

Air an iunnrais mu 'n cuairt,

Feuch an robh tuar tàmh orr' ;

'N am biodh i cho tlàth

'S gu sgaoilte ràmh,

'S tu d' shuidh' air cheann tràghad ;

Bu bhinn do dhuan

A' sior chur suas,

'S ann leamsa bu chruaidh d' fhàgail.

Bu sgiobair thu 'n am

Bhristeadh nam ball,

Bu chlisgeanta liìths d' èirigh,

Bu chèillidh ciiìin

Do bheum air stiùir,

Tuaireap o thaobh beic orr' :

Cha shineadh suas,

An sgòd fo cluais,

'S tu mhealladh an cuan foilleil

'N am gabhail gu tìr

'S na rathaidean-rìgh ;

Mac samhuilt an fhior ghuide thu.

Mìne gun cheist,

Cinnteach an treis,

Mar righ ann an deas mhanntoil ;

Thigeadh gairge gu leòr

Ann am feirge mhòir,

'S na h-airm ann an dorn cheannard :

Thigeadh gunna bheoil chaoil ort,

Claidheamh faraon,

Piostal fo sgaoth làmhaich ;

Fo 'n ìsnich gheur chruaidh

Ghorm liòbhaidh dhe 'n chruaidh,

Sniomhain is duail mheanbh orr'.

Chunnaic mi uair

An teas do chuaich,

Ann am braise luath mheamna,

A' foghlum sluaigh,

164 THE MACDOKALD OOLLBOTION OP OAILIC POBTBT.

'G an togail suas,

'S tu gun ghruaim anntlachd ;

Ma' ri fear an fhuilt rèidh

Dha 'n robh faicinn nan ceud

Bachlagach, gle ainhluidh

Fàs mar stoc ;

Maraileach lochd

'S àillidh am folt camalub.

Tha falt mar theud

Ort cha bhreug,

Gaisge cein àrbhuidh;

Aon Mhac Dhe,

Chruthaich e,

Cruth na chre thalmhaidh :

O losa gle

Dion gun bheud,

Cìs o'n eug mharbhtach.

CUMHA OIG-FHIB, 166

CUMHA OIG-FHIR 'GAN D'FHUAIR A LEAN-
NAN BAS AIK LA AM BAINNSE.

'S FADA shiubhal mi 'n oidiiche
Chum na maighdinne bòidhich,
'S 'nuair a rainig mi 'n baile
Cha robh aighear no ceòl ann.

'S ann bha mnathan ri fuaigheal,
'S cuid de ghruagaichean brònach;
'S ann a bha mo gheug fhion-fhuil
Air a sìneadh fo bhòradibh.

Ann a' leine chaoil anairt,

'S ni 'n cluinneadh mo chòmhradh,

Tha d' fhalt mar an sìoda,

Och mo dhìth bhi cur fòd ort,

Re am cur na h-ìiir ort,
Theann mo shuilean ri dòrtadh ;
A ghaoir a chaidh o mo leth cheann,
Cha teid i 'm feasda ri m' bheò as.

166 THE MACDONALD COLLECTION OP GABLIC POETRT.

CUMHA DO DH' FHEAR NAN DRUIMINEAN.

Is ann do m' lochd 'bhi cho fad' ain thosd,
Mo chreach do chorp cràiteach,
Gun cheirein lèigh a dol am feum dhuit
A chre àluinn.

Is e do cheum a b' fhearr bèus,
Anns gach gnè thalmhainn ;
Sud an t-suil a b' fhearr tùr
Air feidh nan stùc àrda.

Fhuair mi sgeul mu 'n tìm so 'n de,
Cha 'n fhaod mi fèin bhi 'm thàmh dheth,
Ailein Oig nach 'eil thu beò,
Mo chreach an comhlan àluinn.

A Chlann Ghilleoin nam piob 's nan eròl,
'S nam pios 's nan còrn, 's nan goibleid;
A Righ nam feart is treuna neart
Thug uainn gach neach a b' fheàrr dhiubh.

An fhinne phrìseil, làidir, rioghail,
'Leagadh sios bhur meanmna,
Bha neart dhaoine gar sior chlaonadh,
'S gu'n robh 'n t-aog gar cealgadh.

Cha robh leigh a bha fo 'n ghrèin
Dheanadh feum 's an am ud ;
An ciste dhliith an deis a dxinadh
'Ta mo rùn 's an teampull.

'S iomadh tional truagh, gun bhlagh, gun bhuaidh,
A tha 's an uair so 'n Aros.
Tha mnai fo bhròn, 's beag ioghnadh dhoibh,
Gu'n d' chaill iad sògh is slàinte.

Mu dheagh Mhac Eoin a chur fo 'n fhòd,
An ciste nam bòrd clàrach ;
Bha mais' is ciataibh, 's moran riaghailt,
Bh» sud riamh a fàs riut.

CUMHA DO DH' FHEAR NAN DRUIMINBAN. 167

'S ma tha mi 'n dhall, 's ma 's leir dhomh 'u call,

A rug air do rann mhuinutir;

'Ur triall mu thuath so liath mo ghruag

Ga d' chur fo bhruaich an tunga.

'N am sgaoileadh nan sguab, mu bhìie uam bruach,
Bh' air fineadh nam buadh cliùteach,
Flathas gach uair, mathasach buan,
Flathas bu dual duibhse.

Cha 'n 'eil litir thionail an drasda 'gar sireadh,
'S dh' fhag sud do chinneadh-sa tùrsach ;
Cha 'n ioghnadh dhaibh, bu mhòr an call,
Bu mhaith an ceannard dìithch' thu.

A mharcaich ghleusd', bu ghasda ceum,
An ruith, 's an leum, 's an lùth-chleas ;
Mac-aigne cha robh aig neach ort
Riamh am facas dhiubh-san.

'S iomadh gruagach, 's sàr bhean uasal,
Ghread, 's a ghuail, 's a chràidh thu;
Bu mhòr an dìth do bhàs air tìr
An am dol sios gu t-fhàrdaich.

Sìiil au fhìreoin, 's bàrr an righ-fhuil,
Snuagh an fhir o'u d' fhàs thu;
Sud 'ur gniomh, an ceann gach mios,
A bhi 's a chìll gar fàgail.

'S mìn leam an treibh, 's cinnteach gun cheist,
Mar ribhinn nan rosg mall ;

Gheibhte feirge mu d' bhord, 'u am t-fheirge mhòr,
'Nuair bhiodh t-airm ann a' d' dhorn teann ort.

Claidheamh fo dhorn, 's gunna bheoil chaoil,
'S piostal mu 'n sgaoil làmhach ;
Slisneach gheur, chruaidh, liomhta o'n ghual,
'S liomhain o'n stuaidh mheanail.

Bu sgiobair thu nam bristeadh buill,
Bu chlisgeanta lùs t-eiridh ;
Bu shàmhach ciuiu do làmh air stiuir,
Ga mealladh a lùnn beucaidh.

168 THB MACDONALD COLLBOTION OF GABLIC POBTRY.

O sgòid gu cluais, ga mealleadh le cluain,
Caitbeadh mu 'n cuairt fàill orra;
Nam gabhail mu thìr, rau ròd an righ,
'8 b' athail am fior ghuide thu.

'S mairg ribhinn òg a thug ro ghràdh,
Nach d' fhuair ort òrdugh pòsaidh ;
Nach d' fhuair a fear raar bu chòir dhith,
'S ann tha bhròn sud dhuinne.

A charaid Ailein, nan steud mearra,
'S nan each ceann-ard cruidheach;
A chaidh a Cholla, a ghlac an loingeas,
A chum a choinneamh air an Rùta.

MARBHRANN FIR THAIASGAIR. 169

MAEBHRANN FIR THALASGAIR
Le Eoin MacAilein. 1733.

'S E 'n sgeula bochd truagh so thaiuig o thuath,
A mheudaich dhomh fuachd is allaban ;
Mas a fada no geàrr gun tig e an àird,
'S i aiceid mo bhàis gu deimhin i.

'S beag mise ri luaidh aun an àireamh nan sluagh,
Dh' fhag an sgeuls' auns gach cluuain gu gearanach,
'S iomadh cridhe 'ga chràdh aig a bheil mar cheann fàth,
Gun do bhuinig am bàs Fear Thalasgair.

Gun mhasl' thoirt do chàch, do dh' iosal no àrd,
'N a shubhailcean gnàths b' fhear ainneamh e;
Bha e iosal is àrd, bha e fuar agus blàth,
Bha e prìseil, gràdhach, carranach.

'S nan eireadh strìth, cha b' e caiseineach crion,
'S ann a dhearbhadh e gniomh le fearralachd ;
Ach an saoghal bochd truaghs' a tha mealladh an

t-sluaigh,
Meud 's a ghabh dheth cuairt 's a dh' aithnich e.

Cha 'n fhac e do fheum ann an anabarr do sprèidh,

Ach a dhicladh gu f eum nan ainniseach ;

'S iomadh bochd ann an càs gheibheadh fuasgladh gun

dàil,
'Nuair a thogadh e màl nan tenandan.

Ghabh e tlachd agus miann de thigh flathasach fial,
Am biodh tathaich nan ceud, 's cha b' ainneamh sin,
Bhiodh bord fosgailt' a chlàir ro uaislibh 's ro dhaimh,
'S do na h-ìslibh b' e 'n àiridh bheannachd e.

170 THB MACDONALD COLLECTION OF GAELIO POBTBT.

Bu tric meoghail an òil, agus gleadhar nan stòp,
Air aghaigh nam bòrd nach b' ainniseach,
Lamh sgapadh nan crùu air luchd ealain is ciuil
'S e choisin an cliuth 's a b' airidh air.

Thug e 'n ciste nan clàr na gibhtean a b' fheàrr,
O se fein a thug gràdh mar leannan daibh,
Mar bha gliocas is daimh agus fèil' agus gràdh,
Cha bu leir dhaibh co chàch ga fanadh iad.

Fada m' fhuireach am pèin, ann an talla nan dèur,
Cha 'n fhaic mi na dhèigh fear aithris air;
Ged tha so na chall mòr do Thormad MacLeoid,
Cha 'n fhasa leam bròn Shir Alastair.

So a bhràthair 's gach tùrn dheanadh àit' air a chul,
'S nach coisneadh le ghiulan sgaiuuir dha;
Tha Lobhat na h-Aird gu dubhach mu bhàs,
B' e chompanach gràidh 's a charaid e.

Mheud 's a dh' fhuirich suas do Shliochd Ghilleoin nan

tuagh,
Dh' fhag e àilleachd an gruaidh gu smalanach,
'S truagh Eachann na dheigh o Charpach nan ceud
Dh' fhàg e saighead na chre nach dealaich ris.

Tha cheile fo ghruaim, 's i air caochladh a snuadh,
Rinn i malairt 's an uair 's is aithreach leth ;
Thug i iomairt is òl, agus meoghail is ceòl,
Air tùrsa 's air bròn gu gearanach.

Thug i aoibhneas a pòg, ni gle mhor ga sògh,
Bhi gan ionndrain ri beò 's nach faigh i iad ;
'S ann air Ruairidh o'n Diin a chinnich am flùr,
'S chunnaic mise le m' shiiilibh ceathrar dhiubh.

Sir Ruairidh bha còir, agus Eoin nan òs,

Ged bu mhaith iad, thug Domhnull barrachd dhiubh;

Gach fàillean is geug a shiolaich da threibh,

lad a direadh ri beus an aralachd.

MARBHRANN FIR tHÀLASGAlR. ITl

Mar sin daibh mar nòs fhad 's a dh' fhanas iad beò
Gu ruig 's an t-Eoin Og-sa 's leanabh dhuinn ;
Ma leannas e 'n gnàths bh' aig athair 's gach càs,
Gu deaibh 's duine ta ghnàth so aithnicht' e.

Ma chumhnas e gnàth a ròd, tuil, agus tràigh,
Mar reothart a fàs gu barraicht e ;
Mas a ceadaicht an tùrn, tha mi guidhe gu dùr,
Saoghal fada le cliti 's le alla dha.

172 THE MACDONALD COLLBCTION OF GABLIC POBTHT.

CUMHA PEATHAR.

Hù òro laù ò,
Hòro hù o hì ò,
Hù òro hù ò.

QuB e mis' tha fo mhulad,
Tha lionn dubh air mo ghruaidh.
Hù òro.

'S cha b' e cumha mo leannain,
Ged a dh' fhanadh e bhuam.
Hù òro.

Ach cumha mo bhràithreau,
A' cnàmh anns a' chuan.
Hù òro.

Cumha Eachainn is Lachluinn,
Dh' fhag tana mo ghruag.
Hù òro.

'S goirt leam diol ar cùl chiannaich,
Auns an fheamain 'ga luaidh.
Hix òro.

'S tric mo shùil air an Rudha,
Fo 'n a' bhruthach ud shuas.
Hii òro.

Feuch am faic mi seòl brèid-gheal,
Latha grèine 's a' chuan.
Hù òro.

Cha 'n 'eil long thig on Rudha,
Nach toir snidh' air mo ghruaidh.
Hù òro.

Cha 'n 'eil bàt' thig 's a' chaola*,
Nach caochail mo shnuadh.
Hù òro.

CUHHA PBATHAR. 173

Cha dirich mi bruthach,
'S cha shiubhail mi uair.
Hiì òro.

Cha dean mi ceum idir,
Gus au d' thig na bheil bhuam.
Hù òro.

Cha chaidil mi stòlda,
A Dhòmhnaich no Luain.
Hù òro.

Tha bhur leaba na h-ònar,
Anns an t-seòmar ud shuas.
Hù òro.

'S cha teid mi 'g a càradh
'Sibhse ghràidh cho fad bhuam.
Hiì òro.

Gur e mis' tha fo mhulad,
Air an tulaich luim fhuair.
Hù òro.

174 THE MACDONALD COLLBCTION OP GABLIC POITBY.

CUMHA DO MHINISTEIR A CHAIDH A
BHATHADH. Le phiuthair.

Hù òro, hù ò,
Chal o hì o hì ò,
Hù òro, hù ò.

Mhuire 's niis' tha fo mhulad,
Air an tulaich luim fhuar.

Cha 'u 'eil bàt' thig o'n chaolas,
Nach caochail mi snuagh.

Na eithir fo rudha,

Nach sruthail mo ghruaidh.

'S e mo ghràdh do chùl clannach,
Anns an fheamainn ga luadh.

Cha 'n e cumha mo leannain,
Ged a dh' fhanadh e uam.

Ach cumha mo bhràthar,
Cùl fàineach nan dual.

Cha dìrich mi 'n t-achadh,
Na machaire cruaidh.

Tha do leaba gun dòigh orr',
Anns an t-seomar ud shuas.

Cha teid mi 'g a' càradh,
Tha thu ghràidh cho fad' uam.

Tha do phresent 'n am chistidh
Ni bu mhisde mi uam.

CATH CHUILODAIB. 175

CATH CHUILODAIR.

Le Lachlainn Dubh MacLachlaiun.

GuR goirt a' naigheachd a fhuair sinn,

O bhlàr dosgaidh na truaighe,

Mheud 's a thuit ann dheth 'r n' uaislean,

Thainig trùpa mu'n cuairt oirnn,

Fhuair le buidseachd bhi 'n uachdar oirnn beò.

Sgeul is cràiteach le m' chridhe,

Na bheil 's an àrfhaich mar shithinn,

Na cuirp àluinn 'gan ruitheadh,

'S iad fo ghàirich nam fitheach,

Gun an càirdean a tighinn,

'G an càradh gu dligheach,

'S geard de 'n nàmhaid nan suidhe nan còir.

B' ann diubh 'n Còirneal MacLachlainn,

Cridhe mòr nach robh gealtach,

Rìgh bu bhòidheach air each e,

'Dol an còmhail gach caiptean,

Thoirt òrdugh mu seach dhòibh,

Seal mu 'n thòisich am batal,

Fhuair iad seòl air cur as da, mo leòn !

Lamh sgapadh an airgid,

Anns na bailteacha margaidh,

'S cian 's gur fada chaidh ainm ort,

Eadar Sasunn is Albainn ;

Nach do phill thu ri d' leanabaibh

'S gun chùl taic ris an earbar iad beò.

Thuit Diighall 's an àrfhaich,

Duine misneachail, dàicheil,

Bha thu urramach, dàna,

'Dol an coinneamh an nàmhaid ;

Ceann ar finne fhuair cràdh nach bu leòr.

176 THJC MACDONALD COLLBCTTON OF OAXUC POBTRY.

'S goirt leam càradh nan Abrach,

lad nan sìneadh 's na claisean,

Nach diiisg piob iad, no bratach,

No f oirm creiche dol seachad ;

'S mu'n caochail sibh aigne

'S mòr mo bharail nach faigh sibh a chòir.

'S iomadh òganach treubhach,

Sunndach, aigionnach, eutrom,

Nach bu tais an am feuma,

Thoirt a mach an ratreuta ;

'Nam b' e còthrom na Feinne,

So bhiodh aca le cheile,

Nach tig dhachaidb 'gan eigheach air mòd.

OKAN DO MHACLEOID DHUNBHEAGAIX. 177

ORAN DO MHACLEOID DHUNBHEAGAIN.

Bha mì m' dhùsgadh 's am chaithrìs
Ag iarraidh cùirt dheth d' chuid leinibh ;
'S e do thùr a th' air m' aire,
'Nuair a spriutas an t-fhaillean ;
Eiridh sùrd air a chaillich :
Fàth mo thùrsa 's mo ghalair,
Bha rai 'n cuirt do dhà Sheannar,
Nach biodh buirt' air mo ghearain,
Am faic thu chiucharag shalach
'na tràill.

Sin, 's a bhaintighearna nàrach,
O chaidrimh na tràghad,
Rinn duitsa na càirdean,
'S i piuthar nam bràithrean,
De bhrod uile nan Gaidheal ;
Dh' eug Uilleam air Ghalltachd,
Mhic na mna thu a Aros

bu leom.

Càirdeas fear o Ghleanngaradh,
'S e do mheanmna th' air m' aire,
A lùb threubhach nan geal-lamh,
Chaidh an de do na beannaibh,
Riut a chròic agus eangaibh,
*S e 'na bhòcan ri langan;
Gheibh e hiaidhe chruinn mheallach

na deann.

12

178 THE MACDONALD COLLBCTION OF OABLIC POKTRT.

RANN AIR GRIOGAR ODHAR ARD, Mac
Dhonuachaidh nan Gleann, bràthair do Mhac
Ghriogair Ghlinn Sreatha.

An saoil sibh fèin nach foghainnteach,

'S e Griogar Odhar Ard,

Gu'n d' aithnich mi sgairt diùlaich ort

'S tu dìreadh ris an allt;

Gu'n d' leagadh Mac-an-Aba leat,

Os cionn na glaic ud thall ;

Gu'n robh fear de Chlauna Chamshroin ann,

Is dealg 'na bhrot gu teann ;

Gu'n robh lain Og Mac Chailein ann,

'S cha b' fhallain e fo d' laimh.

Gu 'n gleidheadh an righ o dhòruinn,

Am f ear mòr a bhrist am f ang ;

Cha b' ann de Chlanna Chatain thu,

No luchd nam plaide bàn ;

No idir do Chlann Domhnuill thu,

No luchd nan ròiseol àrd ;

Ach Griogarach gu dìreach thu,

Chuir dìth air clann nan Gall.

ORAN DO'n KIDIRE DONNCHADH CAIMBBUL, 179

ORAN DO'N RIDIRE DONNCHADH
CAIMBEUL, ris an cainte Donnachadh Dubh
a' Churraic, le Nighinn dha, nuair a chuir e'n
ceann dheth 'n duin' aice — Griogar Ghlinn
Sreatha.

A RiGH ! gur mòr mo chuid mulaid,
O'n cheud la thruimich do bhròn mi;
O'n cheud la ghabh mi iuil ort,
Cha dviraiginn pòsadh.

Gun logh an Righ sin do m' athair,
Gur caol a sgait e m' fheòil diom ;
Thug e bh' uamsa m' fhear-tighe,
Gu'm bu sgafanta roimh thòir e.

'S lionmhor iad de mo chinneach,

De 'n gheàrr thu muineal mu 'n chòta,

Agus Guineach mòr prìseil,

Dhe 'n tug thu 'n sìoda 's na bòtan.

Chum thusa 'n cuid aodaich,
Ge bu dìleas iad dhomhsa

Mar bhi dhomh daingneach a' chaisteil,

'S nan geatachan mòra,

Agus cuingead nan glasan,

Nach fhaighinn seachad gun seòladh.

'S truagh nach robh mi 'nam' fhaoilinn,
No cho caol ris an fheòraig,
'S gun snàmhainn am buinne,
Cha chumadh an t-òr mi.

180 THB MACDONALD COLLBCTION OP aABLIS POBTRT.

ORAN.

Le Bean Lusglntir, 's na Hearradh.

Dh' fhalbh na gillean grinn
Fo 'n cuid armaibh,
'S ann leam fhin a's bòidheach,
Thig an còta dearg dhoibh.

Saoil sibh fein nach bòidheach
H-uile latha Dòmhnaich,
H-uile fear cho spòrsail,
Ite 's còta dearg air.

Saoil sibh fein nach èibhinn
H-uile latha fèille,
Osan gearr fo 'n fhèileadh,
An t-èideadh neo chearbach.

Gur a h-ann an Sasuinn,
Fhuair iad òrdugh batail,
Thog na gillean gasda,
Cas mu seach gu'n d' fhalbh iad.

'S iad a fhuair an t-urram,
Gilleau Rois is Mhuile,
H-uile fear cho ullamh,
Le 'n gunnaichean gorma.

'S ann an diugh tha 'm blàr
Aig saighdearan na Spàinne ;
Bheir beannachd a mhàthar
As mo ghràdh gun deargadh.

'Nuair dh' fhalbhas a phacaid,
'S a thilleas i dhachaigh,
Bi dùil leam ri parcel,
O mo ghasan dealbhach.

M' ulaidh, m' aighear, m' eudail,
Fear leigheas nan creuchdan,
Bheireadh do dhil-dèirce
Rud gun fheich gun airgiod.

ORAN MOLAIDH DO DHOMHNULI, MAC-LEOID. 181

ORAN MOLAIDH DO DHOMHNULL MAC-
LEOID, Fear a' Chlaiginn.

Le Domhnull Macleoid.

riocH 's mi 'g eiridh 's a' mhaduinu,
Ni 'n aidmheil, 's e chòir e,
Mu Dhomhnull Og, Fear a' Chlaiginn,
Ni luchd aimbeairt a chòmhnadh ;
Gu bheil uaisl' anns a' ghille,
Tha de chinneadh nan Leodach,
Ciuin, suairc', ann am bruidhinn,
'S gun d' fhuair thu 'n t-urram thar mhòran,
Mo rìin geal òg.

Pearsa 's deis' theid an còmhdach,
Tigh'nn o mheòirean an tàilleir,
Troidh shocair am bròig thu,
'S ann am bòtainn nan sàiltean :
Cha 'n innis teanga mo bheòil,
A h-uile eòlas a dh' fhàs ort,
'S lionmhor maise th' air Domhnull,
Ged nach treòraich mo chàils' e,
Mo rùn geal òg.

Ged thigeadh Parlamaid Lunnain,
'S iad uile fo 'n armailt,
Cha 'n 'eil barr aig mac duin' ort,
Ann an cumadh no 'n dealbhachd :

'S gur a righ 'nam measg uil' thu,
'S gu'n tug na chunnaic thu 'n t-ainm dhuit,
Mo rìin geal òcr.

Bu tusa 'n laochan 's an la ud,
'Cur a chatha 'na d' aonar,
Sgoilt thu 'n fheill gach aon rathad,
'S tu gu 'n caitheadh le saothair;

lb'2 THB MACDONALD COLLBCTION OF GABLIC POKTRY.

Gu bheii dion air do bkrollach,
Chuireadh collaid air daoiue,
'S ged chaidh stad air rno labhairt
Gur mòr dheth fhathaed ri fhaotainn,
Mo rùn geal òg.

Tha do bhlaths mar an ceitein,
Maduinn ghreine a's t-samhradh,
Tha d' fhoighidean gle mhaith,
Ge b' e leughadh a ceannsgal ;
Bu tu beannachd gach creutair,
Gach diol-deirc agus banntraich,
'S i 'n fhuil àrd tha comh-streup riut,
'S tu nach leughadh an gann daibh,
Mo riin geal òg.

'Nuair a racha' tu mharcachd,
Air each bras nan ceum meanmnach,
'S e gu sinnteagach, fad-cheumnach,
Ard bheachdaidh 'na eanachail;
'S tu nach iarradh a thiUeadh,
'Nuair bu mhire chum falbh e,
Chite dearrsadh a theine,
'S e 'cur a spioraid gu ainmein.
Mo rùn geal òg.

%

ORAN MHIC NAOIMHBIX. 183

UKAN MHIC NAOIMHEIN.
Le Padruig Mac-a-Phearsoin.

Aghaidh fhlatliail na sìthe,
Ris an can iad Mac Naoimhein,
Sàr mharcaich each cruidheach,
'S i t' inntinn bhiodh suas.

'N am suidhe 's tigh-thàirne,
Ann am fochar do chàirdean,
Cha b' e 'm botul bu ghnàth leat,
'Cur deoch-slàinte mu 'n cuairt.

Cha b' e 'm botul ach gallain,
'Gan lionadh gu h-ealamh,
Anns na cupaichean geala,
Bu ghlan sealladh is snuadh.

'S iad do chàirdean bhiodh suundach,
'S cha b' urr' iad 'gan driighadh;
Gheibhte 'n sin it' an t-siàlair,
'S dheanta 'n cumhnanta suas.

'S ciod am feum dhuinn 'bhi gearain,
Air gainnead an fhearainn,
'S an cumhradh cho fallainn,
Gu dealachadh uaibh.

'Nuair a chi sinn air fàireadh,
Long mhòr nan crann àrda,
'S i gabhail mu thamh,
Far an samhaich 'm bi cuan.

'S ann a b' airidh Mac Naoimhein,
Air pension mòr bhar na rìoghachd;
Aig 'na chuir e gu ìre,
De dhaoine gun fheum.

1«4 THB MACDONALD COLLECTION OF GAELIC POKTRT.

Gun aìrgiod, gun aodach,
'Freasdal bheathaichean caola,
'S iomadh neach a bha smaointinn,
Gun caochladh tu beus.

Tha Pàdruig 's a chàirdean,
A cheile, 's a phàisdean,
Eadar athair is màthair,
'Dol gu sàile gu luath.

Gu dìithaich an àigh,
Far 'eil coiltichean àrda,
'S bidh Pàdruig gun dàil,
Le beagan àisig ga 'm buain.

ORAN GAOIL. 185

ORAN GAOiL.

AiR leaba chaoiu chlèithe ri m' shliog,
Cha chaidil mi oidhche gu là,
A' cumhadh an fhleasgaich chaoin iiir,
A dh' fhag le thriall mi dlùth do 'n bhàs.

Ib dorn-gheal mo leannan a muigh ;
Is bòidheach 's is caoingheal a chruth ;
Sìiil ghorm fo chaol mhala chorruich ;
Gur ro-mhaith a shnuadh 's cha diombuain.

Is binn a ghuth ia griun a mheòir;
Is aluiuu a shlios taobh ri taobh :
Cha mhise thug fuath do mo ghràdh,
Ach nach b' àill leis tighinn do m' ghaol.

A nighean òg a' chuil dhrimneich;
D' fhalt mar an lion thig a Flanras;
Do shlios mar shneachda air aonach,
'S e folaichte fo shioda àilleach.

Is ann 's an Fhearrachan so shios,
Tha bhean is meachair mìn cruth,
Deud mar a chailc 'na beul ;
Is binne na teud ciuii a guth.

Is luaineach mo chadal a nochd :
Ge beò mi cha bheò mi le tlachd ;
Mo chridhe air sgaradh 'nam uchd,
Mar ghuailin air dubhadh gu beachd.

Ur shlat àill mar fhaillean fann;
Do bhàrr tha mar aiteal de 'n òr :
Tha do ghruaidh mar an caoran dearg,
Is air lasadh air dhealbh nan ròs.

Beul dait' ort mar dhreach nan sùgh ;
Ruisg èibhinn air gorm-shuilean glan :
Is ionmhuinn mo sheud tha gun smal
Donn mhala chaol 's i gun chron.

186 THB MACDONALD COLLBCTION OF GABLIC POBTRT.

D' uchd geai tha mar Bhueaclid air a' gheig;
Tha blas na meala air do phòg :
Gu'n d' fhuair an t-urram air cheudaibh,
An seud is neo-mheamnaich glòir.

Mar ghrainean mullaich na deise;

Mar chruinneachd an deigh bhi 'g a fhàsg' 3

Mar a ghrian a' folach nan reul ;

Cha leir dhomh bean eil' air do sgàth.

Cha dirich mi bruthach no gleann,
Tha mo cheanu air lagadh gu mòr ;
Mo chridh' air a lot le d' ghràdh;
Is truime no bàs air mo chùl.

ORAN GAOIL. 187

ORAN GAOIL.

'S BiNN an smeorach air na crannaibh;
'S binn an eala air an lòn;
'S binne na sin beul mo leannainn,
'Nuair a theannadh i ri ceòl.

'Nuair a theid thu do 'n a bhuaile,
'S ann gu buaidheach theid thu ann,
Buarach 's gogan air do ghuallainn,
'S d' fhalt na dhualaibh air do cheann.

G«d a bhithinn anns a leabaidh,
O chionn seachduinn 's mi fo phràmh,
'N an tigeadh tu dh' ionnsuidh mo leapa,
Dh' eirinn suas is bhithinn slàn.

'Nuair a theid thu dhan an t-sithean,
'S ann gu rìomhach theid thu ann,
Bi do leadan air a chìreadh,
'S do shùil mhiògach ann a d' cheann.

'S geal an tarmaich air an leachduinn;
'S geal an sneachda air an t-sliabh,
'S gile na sin lag a bràghad,
'S ciochan bàna air a cliamh.

'S e 'm ball seirce tha 'n clàr d' aodainn,
Dh' fhàg na fir an gaol ort riamh ;
Mheud 's a thug mi fein de m' ghaol duit,
Dh' fhàg cho aotrom mi 'nam chial.

188 THB MACDONALD COLLBCTION OF GABLIC POBTRT.

ORAN GAOIL eadar fear agus a leannan.

Emn.
MiSE 'n 80 's mi 'nam luidhe
'N ciste chumhainn chaoil chlàraich ;
Tha mo cheann air a lionadh
Le fiabhras mi ghnàthaicht' ;
Cha 'u fhuachd e 's cha teas e,
'8 cha 'n 'eil fhios ciod is fàth dha,
Ach 's e thog dhoinh mo ghalair
Gaol na h-ainnir a dh' fhag mi.

Ged a bha mi 's an leabaidh
Cha 'n e cadal bu tàmh dhomh,
Ach a' smaointinn mu 'n ainnir,
Bean 'nam meal-shuilean blàtha :
'Nam dhomh tighinn dh' an t-seòlaid,
Làn sòlais mar b' àbhaist,
'S e naigheachd do phòsaidh,
A leòn chon a' bhàis mi.

Gur e mis' tha gu brònach

Mu mhnaoi òig a' chuil duinn ;

'8 tu gu 'n deanadh dhomh slàinte,

Ged a bha mi gu tinn :

Tha do ghruaidh mar na caoran ;

Do shlios mar fhaoilinn air tuinn ;

'S e bhi ag amharc a' d' aodann

Gniomh a b' aobhaiche leam.

'8 truagh gun mise 's mo leannan
An lagan falaich an uaigneas ;
'Sinn a muigh 's a bhad coille
Far an goireadh na cuachan,
Thu bhi lùbte 'na m' bhreacan,
Dlùth taisgte mu 'n cuairt oirnn ;
'8 gu faighinn do phògan
Le deoin, 'b leam nach b' fhuathach !

ORAN ttAOIL 189

Itt.

Th« mo chion air an fhleasgach,

Dhonn, leadanach, bhòidheach ;

Thu dhe 'n fhinne nach striòcadh,

Tha thu dh' fhior fhuil Chlann Dòmhnuill :

'S ann a ghabh nii mo chead dhiot,

Aig an eaglais Di-Dòmhnaich ;

'S ged nach d' fhuair mi bhi cainnt riut,

Gu 'n robh shannt ni bu l.^r orm.

Ged a chaidh mi a phòsadh,
Cha bu deònach mi fèin air,
'Nuair a sheall mi 'nam dheaghaidh
*S e mo roghainn a thrèig mi,
Fiuran iir a' chuil chleachdaich ;
Bu tu mo thlachd air son cèile ;
'S truagh a Righ ! 's gun mi ma' riut
Fo sparradh na deile.

190 THE MAODONALD COU.ECTION OF GABLIC POBTRT.

ORAN GAOIL a riim te d' a leaniiau.

RiQH gur mòr mo chuid mulaid,

'S mi air uilinu an fhuarain;

Mi ag amharc na coiUe,

Ob cionn Dair' a' Bhuig luachraich,

'S mi a' faicinn nan reultan,

'S nan eun beaga mu 'n cuairt domh :

Tha mulad air m' inntinn,

'S cha 'n innsinn air luach e.

Tha gruaim air mo chridhe

'Dh' fhag snidh air mo ghruaidhean,

Mu do dheaghainn a fhleasgaich,

Ghabh do chead moch di-Luain dhiom ;

Gur gil' thu fo d' anart

Na 'n eal' air na cuantaibh;

Suil ghorm fo d' chaol mhala;

Beul nach aithriseadh gruaimean.

ìieuì o'n tairise mànran,

Fiamh a' ghàir anns gach uair ort,

Sgeul nach misd' thu ri chlàistinn

Tha mi ' ràitinn 's an uair so :

'N am gabhail air aghaidh,

'S leat taghadh a' chruadail;

Uasal, àrdanach, ascoir,

Lamh nach tais ann am bualadh.

Tha do shlios mar dhreach cailce,
No mar shneachd air bharr gèige,
No mar chanach a' chaire,
Bhios a' fàs anns a' chèitein :
Troidh chruinn am broig chumhainn,
Dhireadh bruthach gu h-eutrom ;
'S maith thig dag nam ball airgid,
Air slios àrmuinn nan geur lann.

ORAN OAOIL. 191

Claìdlieamh cuil a' chiun aisnicli,
Sgiath bhreac an t-sar chòmhdaich,
Air an ògau ghlau chliùiteach
Liib iir an f huilt bhòidhich :
'S 6 mheud 's a thug mi dhe m' riìn duit,
Chuir mo shiigradh gu fòirneart;
'Nuair a thionndaidh mo chùl riut,
Chaidh mo shiiilean gu dòrtadh.

'Nuair thig am dol ri bruthach,

Bu ghlan rudha do ghruadhach,

Le do bhreacan caol daite,

'M feileadh preasach mu 'n cuairt duit;

Ma' ri d' ghunna bheoil thana,

Nach mearachdach bualadh ;

'Nuair a chaogadh tu 'n t-siiil ris,

Bhiodh fuil air ùlaich an fhuarain.

Beairt is misd' mi ri luaidh rium
A mheud 's a fhuair mi de m' àilghios ;
Mheud 's a thug mi de m' rùn duit
'S nach innsinn do chàch e :
'8 truagh nach robh mi an Eirinn
Mu 'n do thrèig mi mo chàirdean,
Mu 'n do ghabh mi cheud eòlas.
Air an òganach dhàicheil.

192 THK .MACOONAIJ) COLLKCTION OF GABLIC POETnY.

AM BUACHAILE BAN.

A Bhuachaille Bhàin, ma 's àill leat labhairt air thÙB,
Gur leatsa gun dàil ino làmh, ma thig thu le mùirn ;
Gur truagh mar a ta nach do thàrladh mis' agus thu,
Ann an eilein gun tràigh, gun ràmh, gun choite, gun stiuir.

Ma theid thu air sàil, a ghràidh biodh ginidh a'd' phòc',
Is òl mo dheoch slàint' gach àit' an suidh thu mu'n bhòrd,
Le d' chridhe geal, eutrom, eibhneach, aighearach, òg;
Gur toil leam ara beul o 'm bìnn a thigeadh an ceòl.

Gur toigh leam an deud, 's am beul nach labhradh le sgraing,
Bhi sinnte ri m' thaobh, a ghaoil nan tigeadh tu ann ;
Mur bhiodh luchd nam breug bha m' eudail 's mise gun taing
Le òrdugh na clèir le cheile 'n ceangal gu teann.

A Mhuire 's a Righ ! gur tìnn an galair an gràdh,
Cha bhi neach air am bi nach saoil gur seachdain gach là;
Gu 'n bhrist e mo chridh', 's gu 'n sgaoil e cuisle mo làmh,
Bhi 'g amharc a' d' dhèigh, a ghèug, a bhrollaich ghil, bhàin.

'Nam faiceadh sibh 'ghèug, 's i 'g eiridh maduinn chiuin cheò,

'8 a pearsa da rèir a mhealladh nan ceudan slòigh ;

Gur binne do bheul na fiodhal nan tèud ri ceòl ;

Nach truagh leat mi 'd' dhèigh air chnocan leam fèin ri bròn.

Do chtil donn, dualach, cuachach, bachlagach, bàigh,
Dh' fhàg mise fo ghruaim gu buan gu latha mo bhàis ;
Nan tigeadh tu nuas air chuairt do 'n bhaile-sa thamh,
Ged thuiteadh mo ghruag a rìs bu dual di fàs.

Oganaich uasail o'n d' fhuaras masl' agus guth,
O mhaduinn Diluain nach truagh leat mise 's mi gul,
Mo chairdean a luaidh nach buan do cbomunn-sa dhomh ;
Gus an teid mi 's an uaigh na gluaisibh mis' as a' so.

ORAN GAOIL. 193

ORAN GAOIL le Og mhnaoil uasail.

Slan gu 'n till na chaidh o'n bhaile ;
Fhir chuil dualaich nan siil meallach ;
'S goirid o'n chaochail thu barail,
Mar a leannan dhomhs' thu.

Haoiri ri o raill ò,

Raill ò ho raill ò,

Haoiri ri o raill ò,

'S e 'n gille donn is bòidhche.

Dh' eirich mi gu moch Di-r-daoin,
Chuir mi m' aghaidh air a' chaol ;
Co chunnaic mi ach mo ghaol,
A' tigh'n bho thaobh nam mòr bheann.

Gur e mise tha gu tinn ;
;ha d' fhuair mi 'n cadal an raoir ;
Bha mi smaointeachadh fo m' shuim,
'Na fhuair mi loinn an òig-fhir.

Oganaich a dh' fhalbh an dè,
'S aotrom a ghearras tu leum ;
'S mor bha riut dhe 'n uaisle streup,
'S cha 'n 'eil do bheusan gòrach.

'S boidheach sgiobalt' thu measg chàich ;
Do shlios mar eal' air an t-snàmh ;
'Suil chorrach ghorm 's aghaidh bhlàth;
Gu 'n d' thug mi gràdh 's mi òg dhuit.

Fhuair mi litir tràth Diluain,
Thainig thxigam far a chuain ;
Prine brollaich bho mo luaidh,
Is failbheag chluais de 'n òr aiik

13

194 THK MACDONAl.T) COLLECTION OF OAKLIC POBTRY.

ORAN GAOIL.

Hil-o-ro ro bha ho,
Hu ru rithill iu riu-a-ro hi rithill iu,
Rithill-o ro-a-ro hi rithill ith'll-o,
Hithill-an beag cha la o hithill iu ro bho.

Thug mi gaol dhuit, thug mi gradh dhuit,
HithiU-an beag, &c.

Nach tug piuthar riamh da bràthair,
Hu ru rithill, &c.

Nach tug bean da ciochran tàlaidh,
Hithill-an beag, &c.

Nach tug bò da laogh air àiridh,
Hu ru rithill, &c.

An gaol a thug mi do shaor an t-sàbhaìdh,
Hithill-an beag, &c.

Saor nan lochdrach 's nan òrd àrda,
Hu ru rithill, &c.

'S truagh nach mise 's tusa ghràidhein,
Hithill-an beag, &c.

Bh' air eilein mara nach dean tràghadh,
Hu ru rithill, &c.

Nach d' readh curaidh ann no bàta,
Hithill-an beag, &c.

Ach coite bheag is da ràmh orr',
Hu ru rithill, &c.

Sinn a gheibheadh an cadal sàmhach,
Hithill-an beag, &c.

ORAN GAOIL. 196

Cùl do chinn air bac mo laimhe,
Hu ru rithill, &c.

Gus an eireadh grian a màireach,
Hithill-an beag, &c.

196 THK MACDONALD OOLLBCTION OF OABLIC POBTBT.

lORRAM le te d' a leannan 's e'n dei^h te eile
phosadh.

'S E mo rùn do chùl bòidheach,
Leam bu deonach bhi t-fhaicinn.

Cas a dhìreadh a' munadh,
Is do ghunna fo t' achlais.

Bhiodh am boc as an fhireach,
Air do ghille tigh'nn dachaidh.

Bhiodh an ruadhag 's a ghlaodhaich,
Aig mo ghaol-sa fo bhreacan.

'S maith thig boineid mhaith dhubh-ghorm,
Dhuit air cìil an fhuilt chleachdaich.

Gur a maith thig dhuit leine,
Fo dheagh fheile de 'n bhreacan.

Is bròg bhilleach gun chuaig,
'S cha bu shuarach a baltan.

Agus gartanan riomhach,

B' e mo mhiann 'bhi ga 'm pasgadh.

'S i do ghruaidh bu ghlan ruthadh,
Dearg mar ubhal na slaite.

'S e do dheud a b' fhearr snaidheadh,
Bu mhac-samhuilt de 'n chailc i.

Bha do chàirdeas gu dìreach
Ris na righrean 'bha 'n Sasunn.

An fhine rioghail, Clann Domhnuill,
Luchd nan ròiseal 's nam bratach.

'S tha do chàirdeas ri MacDhughaiII,
Da bheil tùr nan clach snaighte.

lORRAM. 197

Tha do chàirdeas ri MacGoinnich,
Bho na h-eileinean farsuing.

Sguiridh mise dheth d' sloinneadh,
Leam is coma mar thachair.

Bho 'n la sheachainn thu 'n fhaodhail,
'S nach do thaghail thu 'm fhaicinn.

Bho 'n la chuir thu do chùl rium,
Tha fuil bhrùite fo 'm aisne.

Bho 'n la chuir thu snaim rithinn
Gur tric snigh' air mo rasgaibh.

'S e mo rvin do chùl bòidheach
Leam bu deònach bhi t' fhaicinn.

198 THE HACDONALD CX)LL£CriON OF GABLIC POBTKY.

ORAN GAOIL.

Tha cùl tiugh 's e dualach,
Tha troni, trom, dualach ;
Tha cùl tiugh 's e dualach,
Mu ghuailean mo leannain-sa.

GuE mis' tha 'n diugh fo ghruaman,
'S mi direadh uchd a chrualaich,
Mo smaointean air a ghruagaich,
A bhuair mi le geanalachd.

Dh' aithnichinn a measg cheud thu,
Do dhreach, do mhais, is t' eugais,
Gruaidh mar lasair cheireach,
Ceum eutrom neo-aindeonach.

M' ulaidh is mo chiall thu,
M' aighear is mo rian thu ;
Rinn thu le d' ghaol mo lionadh,
Mo dhiobhail ! mur faigh mi thu.

B' anns a 'bhi 'ga' d' eisdeachd
Na smeoraichean an t-slèibhe,
An doire dhlùth nan gèugan
Toirt sgèula mu 'n chamhanaich.

Ged nach inns' mi chàch e,
'S e riaraicheadh mo chàileachd,
Mo nighean donn nam blàth-shul,
A ghnàth a bhi maille rium.

'S na labhradh tu rium caoimhueil,
Cha bhithinns' ann a foill dhuit;
'S gu 'n siubhlainn fein an oidhche
Troimh choilltean a bharraich leat.

Gun siubhlainn fad' a' d' chodhail,
Ged bhiodh an oidhche reòta ;
Nan dùraigeadh tu dhomhsa
Do phòg anns an dealachadh.

ORAN GAUIL. 199

Tha mise 'dol do dh' Eirinn,
'S tha thusa 'dol do Shleibhte :
Gur fada sinn o cheile ;
Ach 's feudar dhuinn dealachadh.

'N cuimhneach lea'csa Dhomhnuill,
'Nuair thug thu gealladh dhomhsa,
Nach treigeadh tu ri d' bheò
Dha do dheòin no dha d' aindeoin nii.

200 THB MACDONALD COLLECTION OF GAELIC POITRT.

ORAN A MHAIIAICHE.

Hò 's ann tha mo rùnsa thall,

Fo dhubhar nan craobh 's nam beann ;

Sgiobair thu air luiug nam ball,

'S ann tha m' annsachd air a' mharaich'

'S £ mo cheist an gille donn,
Theid do chrannagaibh nan long;
Dh' fhag thu nio chridhe-sa trom
Mar chloich ann an gleann nach caraich.

Mo cheist air sealgair a gheòidh,
'S na h-eala an cois an lòin;
'S lui nach iarradh leat an stòr,
Ged a bhiodh mo phòca falamh.

Cha 'n iarruinn airgiod no sprèidh,
No ni eile tha fo 'n ghrèin,
Ach mi dh' fhaighinn mo thoil fein ;
Shiubhlainn rèidh le m' chèile-falaich,

Mo cheist air sgiobair a chuain,
Cheangladh reeft 's an la fhuar;
'S tu gu 'n stiuireadh i 'n an-uair,
Ged a bhiodh an cuan 'na ghleannan.

Gur a mise bhios fo ghruaim,
'Nuair chi mi chlann-nigheau uam ;
Cnot de ribein air an gruaig,
'S mise cumail suas a bharrain.

Dì-Dònuich a gheall thu ghaoil,

Mo choinneachadh anns an f hraoch ;

'S ann dhomhsa bha 'n gealladh nd laoin,

Thug thu 'n gaol 's cha 'n ann do dh' Anna.

Gur a raise tha gu tìnn,
Gach oidhche luidhe leam f hin ;
Tha do leth-trom fo mo chìch,
Is mi gabhail sgios 'ga fhalach.

ORAK A MHARAICHE. 201

Cha ghabhainn sgios dheth gu bràth,
'Ga ghiulau raithe no dhà;
Gus an tig mo chrios an àird,
Gus an toireadh càch an aire.

Cha do chreid mi fein an raoir,
Gu'n robh thu dhomh ann am foiU ;
'S mi gun siubhladh leat tro' 'n choill,
Gun a dhol a dh' fhaighneachd caraid.

Cha do chreid mi mar a h-aon,
Gu'n robh t' aigne dhomh cho faoin,
No gu 'n tilgeadh tu mi thaobh,
Mar gu 'n tilgeadh craobh a barrach.

2Ul' XHB MACDONALD COLLBCll' AliLlC rOBTBl.

OKAISI GAOIL.

E o nigheau, ao o nigliean,

E o nigiiean, rinn tliu m' fhàgail,

'S duilicli leam gu'n d' tiiug iad uam thu,

'S càcii a blii 'ga d' luaidli gach là ri;im.

Dh' EiBiCH mi moch maduinn cheitein,
S thug mi ceum ri braighe 'n fhàsaich;
'S cò thachair rium ach mo leannau,
'S cha b' ann 'g am leantuinn a bha i.

'S mairg a bheireadh feairt air nighinn,
Ged bhiodh i 'ua suidhe laimh riut ;
Ged a bhiodh a beul 'ga d' bhuaireadh,
Bhiodh a cridhe fuar 'ga d' fJiàgail.

'Nuair a dh' fhalbhas uainn an Samhradh,
Thig an Geamhradh am nam bàiltean;
Bidh fear eile le mo ghruagaich,
'S mis' air bhàxr nan cuantan àrda.

Faodaidh iad a bhi gu h-ualiach,
Air feadh thighean luaigh is bhàiltean;
Bidh mise thall a buinig òir,
No bi mi 'giulan còta màdair.

Beul na fìrinn labhradh siobhalt,
Dà shuil mhiogach, 's iad gle uàrach ;
Gruaidh mar chaoireau, slios mar fhaoilean,
Malla chaol fo 'n aodan àluinn.

'S iomadh là bheagan cixraim,
Ghabh mi null ri lagan Arneal,
Far an robh na fir 's a' bhrùchda,
'S a muir dubh-ghorm 's a ghàirich.

ORAN GAOIL. 203

Ged a leughte dliomh gach cruadal,
A fhuair mi o bha m' phàisde ;
Air leam fhiu gur leòr a chruaidhead,
Gaol thoirt uam is fuath 'ga phàigheadh.

Ach a uigheau thog au alla,

Bha ga ailis anns gach àite.

'S a Righ ! nar chluinntear do bhauais,

Gu 'm bi do leanabh a rànaich.

204 THE MACDONALD COLLBCTION OF GABLIC POETRT.

OKAN GAOIL.

'S toigh leam cruinneag dhonn nam bò,
Shiubhlainn leat tro' choill nan cnò,
'S toigh leam cruinneag dhonn nam bò.

'S ToiGH leam cruinneag dhonn nan caorach,
Mala chaol mar ite 'n eoin.

'S toigh leam cruinneag dhoun na buaile,
Aig am bi bhuarach na dorn.

Cruinneag a bhleothnadh am bainne,
Dh' fhaodadh an righ bloigh dheth òl.

'S toigh leam cruinneag dhonn an t-siigraidh,
B' e mo dhùrachd bhi 'na còir.

'S toigh leam cruinneag Bhailelocha,
Maigdean shocair 's i ro chòir.

'S toigh leam nighean na deagh mhàthar,
Aig a bheil a' nàdur còir.

'S toigh leam cruinneag dhonn na beirts,
Chuireadh i snas air a chlò.

'S toigh leam cruinneag an tigh-sheinnse,
Do 'n tug mi mo loinn 's mi òg.

Ged a bhiodh iad oirnn a bruidhinn,
Dheanainn suidhe leat mu 'n bhòrd.

Faodaidh iadsan a bhi bruidhinn,
'S cumaidh sinn' ar cridhe beò.

Tha mo chàirdean rium an gruaim,
A chionn 'bhi buiis ri cruinneig òig.

ORAN 6JL01L.

205

ORAN GAOIL.

Hù òro hù ò,
E-o o hì o liì ò,
Hù òro hù ò.

Gu bheil mise gu brònach,

'S tric na deòir air mo ghruaidh.

'S mi 'g ionndrainn na cailinn,
Baindidh, ceanalta, suairc'.

Gur a h-òg thug mi riin,
Do 'n te 's ùr-ghile snuadh.

Le ro mheud 's thug mi rìin dith,
Tha mi tùrsach 's an uair.

Gur e mheud 's thug mi ghràdh dhith,
A dh' fhàg mi fo ghruaim.

Fhir a thaoghlas an Sollas,
Thoir mo shoiridh gu 'm' luaidh.

Thoir mo shoiridh gu 'm' chailinn,
'S thoir mo bheannachd dhith uam.

Thoir mo bheannachd do nìonaig,
Rinn mo chridh'-sa ghoid uam.

Ged a dh' fhàg thu mi brònach,
Chaoidh cha toir mi dhuit fuath.

Gur tu dheanainn a thaghadh,
'S tu mo roghainn, 's mo luaidh.

'S bòidheach t' fhiamhachd, 's do chruthachd,
'S bòidheach ruthadh do ghruaidh.

Gur a bòidheach a dh' fhas
Do chiil fàinneach na dhuail.

206 THE MACUONALD OOLLBCTION OF GAKLIC POBTRT.

Ach ma chuir thu do chùl rium,
Faigh fear ìir bheir dhuit luaidh.

Faigh a nis dhuit do roghainn,
'S dean a thaghadh gu luath.

Ged a tha thu gun diù dhiom,
Bidh mo rùnsa dhuit buan.

CRUINNEAG NA BUAILE. 207

CRUINNEAG NA BUAILE.

Bho 'n dhealaich mi 'n de riut

Tha mi f ein fo throm uallach :

'S e bhi tric ort a meòrach

Dh' fhàg na deòir air mo ghruaidhean.

Thug mi gaol air bheag eòlais,
Do nionaig òig a chuil-dualaich,
Nach fannaich 's nach dìbir
Chaoidh gu 'n sinnear 's an uaigh mi.

Air leam 'n raoir air mo leabaidh,
Gu'n robh mi 'n caidribh na gruagaich ;
Anns a mhaduinn 'nuair dhùisg mi
Cha robh 'nam shùgradh ach bruadar.

'S truagh nach robh mi 's mo nionag,
An gleann leinn fhin air bheag uallaich ;
'S mi gun lùbadh fo 'm achlais
Thu 'nam bhreacan glas guaile.

Chuir nàdur le aoibhneas,
Mòr loinn air do bhuadhan ;
Aghaidh fhlathail, chiuin, shiobhalt,
Foinnidh, fìnealt, gun ghruaman.

Gruaidh dhearg mar an caoirean,

Muineal caoin-gheal, glan, suairce,

Slios mar chanach an aonaich,

Mar shneachd' aon-oidhch' nam fuar-bheann.

Ge binn an uiseag 's an smeòrach,
'N doire cheòthar nam bruachan ;
'S mòr gur binne 's gur caoine
Guth-gaoil, ciuin, na gruagaich.

208 THE MACDONAJ.D CJOLLKCTION OF GAILIC POBTRT.

Beul raeachair nach mùthach,
Anail chìibhraidh gun truailleadh ;
B' annsa leam 'bhi 'ga 'd' phògadh
Na fion 'ga òl as na cuachan.

Thoir mo shoiridh le dùrachd
Bhuam a dh' ionnsuidh na gruagaich,
Agus aithris mo sgeula
Nach toir mi fein a chaoidh fuatb dhith.

ORAN GAOIL. 209

ORAN GAOIL.

Hù hòro hù ò,

Gur tu mo nigh'n donn bhòidheach,

Hù hòro hù ò.

'S MiSE ta gu muladach,

Air m' uilean anns an t-seòmar.

Chuala mi o dh' èirich mi,
An sgèula nach do chòrd rium.

Sgèula nach bu mhaith leam,
Air mo leannan a' bhi pòsadh.

Mise muigh air chùl na tota,
'S tusa stigh a còrdadh.

'G eisdeachd ris na diucanan,
A cur do chliìi an òrdugh.

'G eisdeachd ris na h-iarlachan,
Ag iarraidh cho 'n do phòsaidh.

'G eisdeachd ris na tighearnan,
'G iarraidh ceart is còir ort.

Nighean bhàn is àille dreach,

Mo chreach mur faigh mi còir ort.

Shiubhlainn leat an saoghal,

A ghaoil, na 'm biodh tu deònach.

Shiubhlainn leat an ear 's an iar,
Gun each, gun strian, gun bhòtuinn.

Shiubhlainn a Dhuneidean leat,
Gu sràid nan ceuman còmhnard.

'S rachainn leat a dh' Eirinn,
'Nam biodh tu fein leam deònach.

U

210 THB MAODONALD OOLLBCTION OP GAELIC POBTRY.

Rachainn leat a dh' Uidhist,
Far am buidhe 'm bi an t-eòrna.

Rachainn leat do Shleibhte,
'S ge b' eadar e do 'n Olaint,

Rachainn fada, fada, leat,
Cho fad' 's a rachadh m' eòlas.

'S bochd an sgeul a fhuair mi ort,
Diluain an deigh Didonuich.

MO OHAILINN DONN OG. 211

MO CHAILIN.; DONN OG.

Mo chailinn donn òg, 's mo nighean donn thogarrach,
Thogainn ort fonn, 's neo-throm gu'n togainn ;
Mo chailinn deas, dìleas, gu'n innsinn, 's cha 'n obainn,
Mar mheall thu os iosal mo chridh'-sa gu h-obann.

Tha mise leam fhin gu neo-aoibhinn 's an talla,
Ri sgriobhadh, 's ri leughadh, 's mo reusan ga sgaradh ;
Tha gach ni orm a dh' èis, 's mi as eugmhais na cailinn,
Chuireadh fonn fo mo chèill, agus gleusadh air m' ealdhain.

'Nam biodh agam long ghleusda, le h' eideadh mar chanacb,
Gu h-aigionnach eutrom, dol a reubadh na mara ;
Na tonnaibh gorm beucach gun geilleadh fo darach,
'S gu'n stiuirinn a ceuman a reir Poll-na-h-Eala.

Bu bhinne do sgeul leam na teuda fo ealdhain,

Bu ghile do dheud leam na leudag a chanaich ;

Do shùil mar an reul, no mar sheud bu ghlan sealladh,

'S b' e sòlas ri m' rè leam mo bheul 'bhi ri t' anail.

Tha thu baindidh 'na d' cheum, 's tu steidheil a' d' bhallaibh,
Tha thu milis a' d' bheul, 's tu gle-ghlan a' d' shealladh ;
Gu bheil mais' ann a' d' eudan mar fhiath grein ri la earraich,
'S mar fhiadh dheanainn leum 'nam b' leam fein do cheann-
falaich.

Mo chadal neo-eibhinn, mo leirsinn 'ga dalladh,

A ghrian anns na speuran a treigsinn mo sheallaidh ;

A ghealach 's na reultan, cha leur dhomh 's cha 'n aithne,

'S do ghaol air mo leireadh 's nach geill thu dhomh gealladh.

Tha mi m' luidhe, 's cha 'n eirich ged a b' eibhinn leam

tarruing,
Gu iomachd an t-sleibh' ri la greine no gaillinn ;
Gur e gaol na te leir mi bheireadh reidh mi o m' eallach,
Chuireadh oiteag fo m' sgeith chum 's gun leumainn o'n

talamh.

212 THK MACDONALD ,COLLBC!TION OP OABLIO POBTBT.

Bu chùirteir air feill thu, bu reul a measg bhau thu,

Bu lionmhor do cheutaibh, rinu na ceudan a mhealladh ;

Cò 'n ainnir fo 'n ghrein dhuit nach geilleadh a maise ?

Cò riarah a f huair beum dhuit, gun bhreig a fhuair aithn' ort ?

Fhir astair a sheòlas gu m' eòlas 's na beannaibh,
Far am binne 'm bi ceòl o bheul òighean 's an talla ;
Thoir mo sgeul chum na h-òigh, nighean òg a's glan sealladh,
Gaol nach caochail gun sòradh fhad is beò mi air thalamh.

ORAN QAOIL. 213

OEAN GAOIL.

Horò mo nigh'n donn bhòidheach,
Ho ri mo nigh'n donn bhòidheach,
Mo chaileag laghach, bhòidheach,
Cha phòs mi ach thu.

'S GUB i mo ghaol a ghruagach,
'Ghabh aiseag moch Diluain uainn,
Gur gann nach dean mi duanag,
Chur suas orra cliù.

Mo chàirdean dhomh ag innse,
Gu 'm faigh iad te 's an tìr dhomh ;
Ach b' annsa leam a' nionag,
Do 'n innsinn mo riin.

Tha stoc an iomadh àite,

Is crois na suidhe laimh ris,

Mo raghainn, thaghainn, 's dh' fhàgainn,

Te dh' àireadh na crùin.

Cha tugainn gaol do nionaig,
Ged chunnte dhith na mìltean,
Mur taghadh i mi-fhin,
Ged nach diobrainn dhith crim.

Do nàdur leam cho dearbha,
Do phearsa leam cho dealbhach;
'S gun siubhlainn fad' air falbh leat,
Gun fharmad ri diuc.

Do mhuineal mìn cho àille,
'S an siod' air ann an càramh ;
Gur buidhe dh' fhear tha 'n dàn,
A bhi laimh ri mo rùn.

214 THK MACDONALD (X)LLECTION OK GAELIC POETKV.

Mi direadh ris ua beauutau

'S mi tearuadh ris na gleanntanj

'8 mo smaointinu fein air m' annsachd

'N te mhalld' 'n chuir mi iiidh.

Gu bheil mo ghaol cho buan dhuit,
Ri biìrn a ruith a fuaran,
'S gun d' rinn thu mise bhuaireadh
Le suaircead do shùl.

lORRAK. 215

lOEEAM.

NocHD gur trom a ta m' eire,
'S mi 'n eilein a chaoil.

'S truagh nacli mise bha thall ud,
'N gleannan falaich mo ghaoil.

Far an d' fhàg mi 'n t-òg uasal,
'S e na shuainn air an fhraoch.

Ri ! nach cluinninn deagh sgeul ort,
Do thigh'nn air eigin o 'n aog.

Do thigh'nn gu fearann Mhic Ailein,
No gu talla 'n fhir ghaoil.

'S truagh ma bhios do chorp gle-gheal
Fo dhlùth-reubadh nan daol.

Bu tu sealgair na h-eala,
Bhiodh neul fal' air a taobh.

Agus sealgair a chathaìn
Theid 's an athar le sgaoim.

Nàmhaid òg thu 'n ròin mheiUich
Thig o sgeirean a chaoil.

Bu tu sealgair an fhìr-eoin
'S eoin chrion nan sgiath caol.

Bu tu sealgair a choilich,

'S moch a ghaireadh air craoibh.

Is na circeige duinne
Bheireadh gur as an fhraoch.

Bu tu sealgair na h-eilid,
'Nuair a roinne' tu ghaoth.

216 TUB JIACDONALD CX}LLBCTIOM OF OABLIC POBTRY.

Mar sud 's a bhruic bhioraich,
Thig bho fhireach nan craobh.

Ri ! gur iomadh bean bheul-dheirg,
Bhios gu deurach mu d' ghaol.

Eadar Ile nan stuaghan,
Mach o'n chuan, gus an caol.

Agus Uidhist bheag riabhach,
'M bi na biataichean saor.

ORAN GAOIL. 217

ORAN GAOIL.

Hò mo leannan, hè mo leannan,
'S e mo leannan am fear ùr,
Hò mo leannan, hè mo leannan.

Dh' eirich mise 'm beul an latha,
Srath-na-h-amhuinn ghabh mi null.

Cò chunnaic mi ach mo leannan,
Oganach gun smal, gun smùr.

'S e mo leannan am fear bòidheach,
Cainnt a bheòil a chòrdadh rium.

'S e mo leannan-sa 'm fear laghach,
A bheir taghal air an liunn.

Marbhaich a choilich 's an fhàsach,
'S na h-eala bhain a shnàmhas bùrn.

Marbhaich a choillich 's an fhàsach,
'S au eala bhàn a shnàmhas bùrn.

'S diumbach mis' air bean an leadain,
A thug uam do bheadradh ciuin.

Dh' fhalbh an gaol is threig an comunn,
'S tha mise coma co-dhiu.

Faodaidh mise sin 'chur suarach,
Cha robh mi 'n uaigneas as tu.

Thilgeil aotrom bhar mo ghuaille,
0 na fhuair mi leannan ùr.

Air fheabhas gan cuirear suas thu,
Cha taobh mac duin' uasail thu.

Ach 's e thuiteas ort mu dheireadh
Fear beag geinneach theid 'na bhrùchd.

218 THE MACDONALD COLLBCTION OP GABLIC POETRY.

ORAN GAOIL. Le Mac-a-Lighich.

Na faigbinn gille gun dàil,
Phàighinn dha bàids' as mo phòc',
Ghiulaineadh mo bheannachd tràth,
Dh' ionusuidh Mairi Bhàn Nic Leoid;
Caileag a fhuair meas thar chàch,
Do 'n tug mi mo ghràdh 's mi òg;
'S cha cheil mi air aon gu bràth
Nach tu b' fhearr leam a tha beò.

Bheir mi teisteanas no dhà
Dhiubh air Mairi mar bu chòir;
Suidhichte, le cridhe blàth,
Mar a dh' fhàs o aois a h-òig ;
Calpa cruinn fo 'n stocain bhàn
Nach cuir car le sàil 's a bhròig ;
'S mi gu 'n cuireadh ort mo làmh,
Ged a ghearrta dhiom an dòrn.

'S diachaineach an rud an gaol,
Thig e air daoine gun fhios;
Mhealladh mise leis cho faoin,
'S gur luasganach mo smaointinn tric;
Cha 'n 'eil mo chadal ach faoin,
'S coltach mi ri aon neo-ghlic;
'S mur a faigh mi 'n ribhinn òg
Càirear mi le bròn fo 'n lic.

Righinn is clannaiche ciìl,

Dha 'n tug mi mo rùn thar cheud ;

Dh' fhàs gu baindidh, banail, ciuin,

Gun àrdan, gun smiir, gun bheum;

'S leat urram an cainnt, 's an cliù,

Fhuair thu chùirt sin thar gach te;

'S gus an cuirear mi 'san iiir

Bidh mo dhùrachd dhuit 's gach ceum.

OKAN GAOIL, 219

Dh' innsinn dhuibh a h-ainm gu beachd,

A dealbh, a dreach, 's a maise neòil ;

Geal is dearg a dol mu seach,

Do bhian mar chailc 's mar shneachd' an lòin ;

Siiil ghorm air nach luaineach rasg,

Tha do ghruaidh le mais' mar ròs ;

Tha gach buaidh ort fein mu seach

Gu buadhanan do ghlac 's do dhòrn.

'S tu mo roghainn as gach sealg,
Bha riamh an garbhlach nam beanu ;
Thaghainn thu a iasg na fairg',
'S as gach ian tha falbh 's a choill ;
'S e do mhacnus nach biodh searbh,
Bhiodh do ghruaim a falbh le loinn;
'S mar a faigh mi 'n ribhinn òg
'S feudar dhomh 'bhi beò na marbh.

'S ged bu chaiptin mi air luing,

Le tri chroinn, 's le fichead seòl ;

Ged a dh' eighte mi 'nam righ,

'S ged a gheibhinn crùn Righ Deòrs'.

Cha diobrainn thusa mar mhnaoi,

'S bhiodh mo smaointinn ort gach lò;

'S 'nuair threigsinn an cinne-daon',

'S tusa bhiodh ri 'm thaobh mu'n bhòrd.

220 THE MACDONALD OOLLSOTION OF GAKLIC POBTRT.

ORAN LE SEOLADAIR.

Dheauaiun sùgradh ris an nigh'nn duibh,
Agus eiridh moch 's a mhaduinn ;
Dheanainn sùgradh ris a nigh'nn duibh.

Dheanàinn sùgradh ri Catriona,
Leam bu mhiannach i bhì agam.

'S bòidheach leam cumadh do chalpa,
'S bòidhche na sin t' fhalbh is t' astar.

Gu 'm bi ball nach feum a spliceadh,
Ri mo mhaighdinn-sa tigh'nn dachaidh.

Dheanainn sùgradh, mire, 's mùirn,
An am na siuil a bhi 'gam pasgadh.

Dheanainn sùgradh air bheag gruamain,
Ri nigh'nn donn a chuailein chleachdaich.

Dheanainn sùgradh ris a mhaighdinn,
'N am nan coinnlean 'bhi 'g a' lasadh.

Gur bòidheach leam thufo 'd' eideadh,
Gaoth a seideadh 's an la frasach.

Dheanainn siigradh ri Catriona,
Treis mu 'm fiachainn an cadal.

Reef 's a ghaf, is reef 's an fhòrsail,
'S ceann a bhòm an deigh a shlashadh.

ORAN A BHATA. 221

ORAN A BHATA.

Moch Diluain ghabh i 'n cuan,
Te bhòidheach nan guaillean geala
Moch Diluain ghabh i 'n cuan.

MocH Diluain a rinn i seòladh,
A moch gu Sòaidh a bharraich.

Moch Diluain a dh' fhalbh am bàta,
Dimàirt cha d' rainig i calla.

Moch Diluain a dh' fhalbh a bhirlinn,
Thog i h-aodach ri cruinn gheala.

Tha mo " Lily " fhin cho bòidheach,
Ri Bantighearn Og Mhic 'ic Ailein.

'Nuair chaidh 'n " Lily Bhàn " fo h-eideadh,
Chuir i 'n rudha reidh gun ghainne.

Bha dithis no triuir ghillean òga,
Sparradh a cuid seòl ri crannaibh.

'Nuair a chuir iad rithe h-aodach,
Chìte 'n caol na chaoirean geala.

'Nuair a chuir iad i an òrdugh,

Mar mhaighdinn òig falbh o'n bhaile.

A dol seachad Eilein Diarmain,
Bha i 'n iar le tràghadh mara.

'S a dol timchioll Eilein Diura
Thainig smùid le clachan-meallain.

222 THE MACPOV.M.T) ror.I.ECTION OF OAELIC POETRT.

ORAN GAOIL.

A FHLEASGAiOH òig as ceanalta,
'S tu leannan nan deas ghruagach ;
Do ghaol a rinn mo shàruchadh,
'S tha bhlàth sud air mo ghruaidh-sa.

Gur e mo ghaol-s' an t-Alastair,

Nach ainneamh leam a luaidh rium,

Dha 'm bheil braigh a Gharaidh dùthchasach,

Ged thog e chìirsa uaithe.

Dh' fhàgainn-sa mo dhaoine leat,
Air long 's a h-aodach suas rith' ;
Cho fad 's gan seòl a ghaoth sinn,
Rachainn leat, a ghaoil, thar chuantan.

B' fhearr leam as do leine thu,
Bho 'n thug mi fein mo luaidh dhuit,
Na fear, cha ghabhaìnn ceud dhiubh,
Ged a bhiodh a sprèidh air bhuailtean.

Cha phòiteir, 's cha'n fhear-daoraich thu,
Tha doannan a measg buairidh,
Sàr chompanach mu 'n bhotul thu,
'S cha 'n fhaicear sprochd, no gruaim ort.

Gur tric a leag an DomhnuIIach,
Deas òigeir a chuil duallaich,
An damh fiadhaich, stròineasach,
Nach tig an còir na buaile.

Sgiobair air a bhàt' thu,
Ga tearnadh o gach cruadal,
'S tu bheir gu cala sàbhailt' i,
Bho ghàirich nan tonn uaine.

ORAN GAOIL.

223

OEAN GAOIL.

Hìthilein u, hillein ì,

Hìthilein u, hillein ì,

Fàill il eile hòro hì,

Gur truagh tha mi 's nach faigh mi thu.

'S E mo cheist an gille donn,
Theid do chrannagaibh nan long,
Phòsainn thu gun ni gun fhonn,
A' d' leine lom gun gabhainn thu.

'S e mo cheist an gille bàn,
Nach leigeadh a leannan le càch :
Teann a nall is far do làmh,
'S cha leig sinn dàil nis fhaide dha.

Alastair, o'n tha thu òg,
Dean thusa mar rinn do sheòrs' ;
'S cha chan duine ri do bheò
Gun robh thu gòrach, aimideach.

Cha'n e airgiod, 's cha'n e òr,

Cha 'n e sin a rinn mo leòn ;

Ach mo ghaol 'cur suas nan seòl,

'S a chaoidh ri 'm bheò nach faic mi e.

Cha ghabh mi gobha, no saor,

Na idir fear f earainn shaoir ;

'S mor gu'm b' annsa leam mo ghaol,

Le triubhsair caol de 'n chanavas.

Tha mi 'n so mar dhruid an crann,
An deigh a cuid eun a chall ;
Seacharan air dol a' m' cheann,
'S nuair thig an t-am cha chaidil mi.

Gur e mise tha fo sprochd,

'S tric mi ghaoil a smaointinn ort;

'S e thu bhi sud is mi bhi so

A dh' fhag a nochd gun aighear mi.

224 THB MACDONALD COLLECTION OF OAELIC POBTRY.

Nis o'n chuir thu mi o fheum,

'S nach gabh fear eile mi a' d' dheigh ;

Tha mi 'n dùil gun toir thu fein

A mach dheth feill nan aighean mi.

Ach ma chuir thu rium do chùl,
Tha mise coma co-dhiu;
'S iomadh iasg a tha 's a' ghrunnd,
'S bi dùil agam ri fear-eigin.

ORAN AN T-SBALGAIR. 225

ORAN AN T-SEALGAIR.

Air fàilirinn ìlirinn ochirinn ù,
Air fàilirinn ìlirinn ù horò hì o,
Air fàilirinn ìlirinn ochirinn li.

'S TROM mo cheum 's gun mi fallainn,
O thoiseach an Earraich ;
'S na bha shiigradh air m' aire,
Chaidh e tamull air chùl.

Tha mo cheist air an t-sealgair,

Dh' fhalbhas moch 's a thig anamoch,

Leis a ghunna chaol ghorm,

'S do lamh dhearbht' air a chiìl.

'S deas a dhire' tu 'm bearradh,
'S a thearnadh tu 'n gleannan ;
Mac-an-fheidh cha teid fallainn
O shealladh do shùl.

'S deas a dhireas tu 'n cruadhlach,
'S do ghunn' air do ghuallainn ;
Feile-beag ann an cuaich ort,
'S ciudhe duallach, trom, dluth.

Fhir a shiubhlas an garbhlach,
'S a thig dhachaidh 's an anamoch ;
'S boidheach, deas, tha mo shealgair,
Domh'll MacFhearchair air thùs.

Tha mo cheist air a ghrèidheir,
Fear is moiche ni eiridh ;
Theid a dh' amharc na spreidhe,
Maduinn cheitein ri driuchd.

15

226 THB MACDONALD OOLLKCTION OF GAILIC POBTRT.

Phir nan calpanan troma,

'8 na miog-shuilean donna,

'S tric a chum mi riut coinneamh,

'S cha b' aindeoineach leam.

'8 mi gun aighear, gun sòlas;

Gur a mise tha brònach,

'S mi 'g a' d' fhaicinn tro' 'n chòmhlaidh

Toirt an òir bhar a bhùird.

'S truagh a Ri nach b' i nochd i,
'N oidhche laithamaid socair;
'S mi gu 'n ceannaicheadh am botul,
Ged a chosgadh e crùn.

'S truagh a Ri nach b' e màireach,
Ged nach f aicinn gu bràth thu ;
Ragha ceile 'bhi làimh riut,
An te bhàn far an Dùin.

ORAN LUAIDH. 227

ORAN LUAIDH.

Hò 'si mo ghaol an Anna,
Ho ao 'si mo ghaol an Anna,
Hò 'si mo ghaol an Anna,

Bean a chuailein, chuachaich, chlannaich.

Hò 'si mo ghaol an Anna,

Bean nan sulghorm 's nan rosg mealla.

Hò 'si mo ghaol an Anna,

C'àite am faigh mi 's tìr dhuit leannan ?

Hò 'si mo ghaol an Anna,

Mur gabh thu Macleoid na Hearradh.

Hò 'si mo ghaol an Anna,

Mur gabh thu MacNìl a Barraidh.

Hò 'si mo ghaol an Anna,

Aon Mhac Nigh'n Raonuill 'ic Ailein.

Hò 'si mo ghaol an Anna,

Bho 'n sann aig tha 'n caisteal daingionn.

Hò 'si mo ghaol an Anna,

Le chruachan, 's le thighean gealla.

Hò 'se mo ghaol a nis thu,
Ho ao 'se mo ghaol a nis thu,
Hò 'se mo ghaol a nis thu,

'Se mo ghaol air fhios 's gun fhios thu.

Hò 'se mo ghaol a nis thu,
Ho ao 'se mo ghaol a nis thu,
Hò 'se mo ghaol a nis thu,

Dh' fhalbh mo ghaol do lonnarnis uam.

Hò 'se mo ghaol a nis thu,

Ceannaichideir mo stìom, 's mo chrios thu.

228

THE IIACDONALD OOLLBCTION OF OASUO POITRT.

Hò 'se mo ghaol a nis thu,

A' sporrain dhuinn nan iallan liosach.

Hò 'se mo ghaol a nis thu,

Cha bhi mi slàn gus an tig thu.

Hò 'se mo chion 's mo ghràdh thu,
Hò ao 'se mo chion 's mo ghràdh thu,
Hò 'se mo chion 's mo ghràdh thu,

'S ann a' Chlann Domhnuill a tha thu.

Hò 'se mo chion 's mo ghràdh thu,
Mo rùn lamh stiuradh a bhàta.

Hò 'se mo chion 's mo ghràdh thu,

'S deas air each thu 's deas air làr thu.

Hò 'se mo chion 's mo ghràdh thu,

Air each cruidheach nan ceum stàtail.

Hò 'se mo luaidh 's mo roghainn thu,
Ho ao 'se mo luaidh 's mo roghainn thu,
Hò 'se mo luaidh 's mo roghainn thu,

Theid thu 'na bheinn am bi 'n fhaoghaide.

Hò 'se mo luaidh 's mo roghainn thu,
Bheir thu fiadh far thiis na greighe.

Hò 'se mo luaidh 's mo roghainn thu,
Le gunna caol a bheoil as laghaiche.

Hò 'se mo luaidh 's mo roghainn thu,
Le gille 's le cù 'n 'd dheigh.

Hò 'se mo chion an ciìirteir,
Ho ao 'se mo chion an cùirteir,
Hò 'se mo chion an cùirteir,

Theid 'na bheinn 's am bi smùdan.

Hò 'se mo chion an ciiirteir,

Leagar fiadh nan cabar dlùth leat.

ORAN LUAIDH. 229

Hò 'se mo chion an cùirteir,

'S an ròn liath o bheul na tiiirra.

Hò 'se mo chion an cùirteir,

'S earba bheag nan casan lìithmhor.

Hò 'se mo chion an ciiirteir,

'S eala bhàn is binne tùchan.

Ì'ÒO TUB MACUONALU UjLl.hLiiU^ ul >,Ai;i.lf rOKTin'.

A ISPAlDAiiiEACHD BHARliACH.

Faill ù otho,
Faill ù otho,

Moire 's e mo,

Faill ù otho,

Ghràdhsa 'n gille,

O hi ri abho, i ibho hu abho,
Faill ù otho,

Ghràdhsa 'n gille,

Faill ù otho,

Dha 'm bheil deirge,

O hì ri abho, etc.,

Dha 'm bheil deirge,

Faill ù otho.

Gille dhoinnead,

O hì ri ibho,

Gille dhoinnead,

Faill ù otho.

Theid thu 'n tigh mhòr,

O hìri ibho, etc.,

Theid thu 'n tigh mhòr,

Faill thu otho ;

'S do 'n a' chitsin,

O hi ri ibho, etc.,

'S do 'n a' chitsin,

Faill ù otho.

Dalta nan dàn,

A 8PAIDAIREACHD BHARRACH. 231

O hì ri ibho, etc.,
Dalta nan dàn,

Faill ìi otho ;

Is nam filidh thu,

O hì ri ibho, etc.,
Is na filidh thu,

Faill iì otho ;

Bheireadh air,

0 hì ri ibho, etc.,
Bheireadh air,

Faill ii otho,

'N togsaid sileadh,

0 hì ri ibho, etc.,

'N togsaid sileadh,

Faill iì otho;

Cha 'n ann le biirn,

O hì ri ibho, etc,

Cha 'n ann le bìirn,

Faill ii otho,

Fuar na linne,

O hì ri ibho, etc.,
Fuar na linne,

Faill ù otho.

Le fion thèidear,

Hi ri ri ibho, etc.,
Le fion thèidear,

Faill VI otho,

Cian ga iarraidh,

Ho hi ri ibho, etc,
Cian 'ga shireadh.

232 THE MACDONALD OOLLKCTION OF UABLIC POKTRT.

Faill ù otho.

Ciod a ni mis',

O hì ri ibho, etc.,
Ciod a ni mis',

Faill ù otho.

C' àit' an d' fhag thu,

Hi ri ibho, etc.,

C' àit' an d' fhag thu,

Faill ù otho.

Ruairidh 'n tartair,

Hi ri ri ibho, etc.,

Ruairidh 'n tartair,

Faill ù otho,

As Nial Glun-dubh,

Hi ri ri ibho, etc,

Is Nial Glun-dubh,

FaiU ù otho,

Is Nial Frasach,

Hi ri ri ibho, etc.,
Is Nial Frasach,

Faill ù otho ;

Gilleoghanan,

Hi ri ri ibho, etc.,

Mòr an gaisgeach.

Faill ù otho ;

Bheireadh am fion,

Hi ri ri ibho, etc.,

Do na h-eachaibh,

Faill iì otho ;

Air ghaol uisge.

A 8FAIDAIREACHD BHARBACH. 233

Hi ri ri ibho, etc.,

Lòin a sheachuadh,

Paill ù otho ;

Chuireadh am flùr,

Hi ri ri ibho, etc.,

Anns an fhrasaich,

Faill ù otho ;

Chuireadh cruidhean,

Hi ri ri ibho, etc.,
Oir fo 'n casan,

Faill ù otho ;

Chuireadh srianan,

Hi ri ri ibho, etc,

'N airgid ghlais riu,

Faill ù otho.

(A bhean eile a freagairt)

Faill ii otho,
Faill ù otho,

Bhradag dhubh bheag,
FaiU iì otho,

Bhris na glasan,

Hi ri ri ibho, etc.

Bhris na glasan,
Faill ù otho.

Fàgamaidh mi ort,
Hi ri ri ibho, etc.,

Fàgamaidh mi ort,
Faill iì otho.

'S tu 'n dubh chapull,
Hi ri ri ibho, etc.,

234 THB MACDONALD OOLLBCTION OF GABLIC POBTBY.

'8 tu 'n dubh chapull,
Faill ù otho.

'8 tu 'n dubh chaile,
Hi ri ri ibho, etc.,

'S tu 'n dubh chaile,
Faill ù otho ;

Nach d' fhuaras riamh,
Hi ri ri ibho, etc.,

Nach d' fhuaras riamh,
Faill ù otho;

Staoileadh agaibh,

Hi ri ri ibho, etc.,

Staoileadh agaibh,
Faill ù otho ;

Ach Barraidh bheag,
Hi ri ri ibho, etc.,

Ach Barraidh bheag,
Faill ù otho,

Chrion-dubh, chla<;hach,
Hi ri ri ibho, etc.,

Chrion-dubh, chlachach,
Faill ù otho,

Eilein fiadhaich,

Hi ri ri ibho, etc.,

Eileìn fìadhaich,
Faill ù otho ;

'M bi na fachaich,

Hi ri ri ibho, etc.,

'M bi na fachaich,
Faill ìi otho ;

A SPAIDAIREACHD BHARRACH. 235

'S e air fleòdradh,

Hi ri ri ibho, etc.,

'S e air fleòdradh,
Faill ìi otho ;

Leis na sgaitibh,

Hi ri ri ibho, etc.,

Leis na sgaitibh,
Faill iì otho ;

Dèirc' a fhuair sibh,
Hi ri ri ibho, etc.,

Dèirc' a fhuair sibh,
Faill ù otho,

Bh' uainn a nasgaidh,
Hi ri ri ibho, etc.,

Bh' uainn a nasgaidh,
Faill ù otho.

'Nuair a chunnaic,

Hi ri ri ibho, etc.,

'Nuair a chunnaic,
Faill iì otho,

Dia n' ur n' airc sibh,
0 hì ri ibho, i ibho hu abho,
Faill ii otho.

236 THE MACDONALD COLLBCTION OF OABLIC POBTRY.

ORAN LUAIDH.

Hòireann, hòireann, hòireann, hòireann,
Hogi hò na hòro hù o.

'S Mi 'm aonar air rudha 'n aisig,
Snigh' air mo rasgaibh a' dòrtadh.

'S nach faic mi bàta, no curaidh,
O thìr a' mhurain a seòladh.

O dhùthaich nan daoine fialaidh,
'S lionmhor biatach innte 's pòiteir.

Fir ùra le 'm breacain dhaìte,
Rachadh na chlachan Didònuich.

Mo riin mo chomhalta prìseil,
Fear fìnealta 'labhradh eòlach.

Ann an cruinneachadh na tìre,

'S nach tigeadh air iomas còmhraidh.

Ann an cruineachadh na tìre,

B' ursann a dhìth tigh a mhòid thu.

Bhiodh gach fear a suidhe laimh riut,
'S tusa a phaigheadh, càch a dh' òladh.

Cha 'n ioghnadh leam sud a thachairt,
'S nach tu 'm breac a bh' air an lònan.

Fiuran a uisge na frìthe,

'S lionmhor tir am bi do thrògbhail.

Gur maith thig an targaid bhreac ort,
Claidheamh geur, sgaiteach, de 'n t-seorsa.

Huile taobh an dean thu tionndadh,
Air do dhùbladh an Clann DomhnuiU.

ORAN LUAIDH. 237

'S càirdeach thu Mhac Raonuill 'ic Ailein,
A bha thallad air a Mhòrthir.

'S càirdeach thu Mhac lain 'ic Sheumais,
Lamh bu trèin' an dèigh na tòrachd.

'S càirdeach thu Mhac lain o'n luraich,
Ged a rùisgeadh anns a chòir e.

Cha chan mi breugan a rithist,

'S càirdeach thu Thighearna Chnòideart.

'S aotrom a dh' fhalbhas an t-sailtheach,
'S tric a shealg thu i na h-ònar.

Cha mhinic a chinnich fiadhach,
Le fear gun mhiolchu, gun stòras.

238 THB MACDONALD CX)LLECTION OF OABLIC POBTHT.

ORAN LUAIDH.

E ho libh ò, rò hoireann ò,
E ho libhò, hòro ghealladh.

Tha mulad, tha fadachd, tha cnàmh, orm,
Cha mhire tha 'n dràsd air m' aire.

Mo banarach na buaile,

Leam nach b' fhuathach a bhi mar riut.

Banarach a chruidh, 's gan uallach,
'S gan cur suas a bhraigh a ghleannain.

'S tric a rinn mi 'n cadal samhach,
Leat am bàthach a chruidh-bhaine.

'S tric a rinn mi 'n cadal diamhair,
Le òigeir na' miogshùl meallach.

Rinn mi 'n cadal beag a raoir leat,

B' e sud an caoimhneas bu mhaith leam.

Mo lamh fo d' cheann, 's mi riut sinnte,
'S an t' èil' air do chiochaibh gealla.

Ghabh thu seachad orm Didònuich,
'S chuir sud dòltrumachd air m' aire.

Shaoil leam nach robh thu cho gòrach,
'S gun creideadh tu còmhradh falaich.

Cha tug Ì8 cha toir mi fuath dhuit,
Gus a fuaighear m i's an anart.

Gu'n cuirear 's a chiste chaoil mi,
'N deigh na saoir a bhi ga barradh,

Gu'n cuirear a null air sàl mi,
Bi siuil bhàna ri croinn gheala.

ORAN LUAIDH. 239

Gus am bi na fìr gam ghìulau,
Gu eaglais nan tùraibh geala.

Ciamar a ni mi an t-òran,

'S gun mi eòlach mu d' dha sheannair?

Bha thu 'd charaid do Chlann Domhnuill,
Ràinig thu Macleòid 's na Hearradh.

Dh' èireadh MacCoinnich o Thuath leat,
Le chòmhlan dhaoin' uaisle mar ris.

Dh' èireadh Maclain o'n Chlèith leat,
'S ann leis a dh' èireadh na fearaibh.

Calpa solta, socair, còmhnard,

Troidh shocair am bròig bhuinn thana.

Calpa cruinn an t-siubhail eutrom,
Cha lùbadh tu fein an gaineamh.

240 THB MACDONALD COLLECTION OF OAKLIC POBTRT.

ORAN LUAIDH.

Hì rì ri rì hò,
Rò hò hao hò.

Tha mulad, tha mulad,
Gu bheil mulad orm fein.

Tha mi-ghean air m' aire,
Ni nach aidich mo bheul.

'N nid nach innsinn da m' phiuthair,
Meud mo chumh' as do dheigh.

Na do 'n mhàthair a rug mi,
Chuir sud cudthrom nam cheum.

'G eisdeachd piob air a binnead,
Bidh mi sileadh nan deur.

'S e mo ghaol-sa mo leannan,
'N t-òg nach aineolach bèus.

Ort a dh' fhàe an cùl duallach,
'S e na chuachanan rèidh.

'S e sios mu d' dha shlinnein,
Mar inneal nan teud.

'S e mo ghràdh an t-òg uasal,
A chaidh suas an so 'n dè.

Le ghunn' air a ghuallain,
'Dol gu buaile Mhic Neil.

'Dol a dh' iarraidh na h-inghinn,
'S gaol a cridh' aice fèin.

'Dol a dh' iarraidh na gruagaich,
Leis am buannaich thu sprèidh.

ORAN LUAIDH. 241

Gur a mairg a thug gealladh,
Dh' aon fhear tha fo 'n ghrèin.

Bhiodh a phòg mar bhlas mealla,
Blas a ghabhaidh 'na dèigh.

Bhiodh a phòg mar bhlas siucair,
Buinidh cùise dhaibh fèin.

Tha mulad, tha mulad,
Tha mulad orm fèin.

16

242 THB MACDONALD OOLLBCTION OF OABLIC POETRT.

ORAN LUAIDH.

A hì otho nàillibh,
'S na hò hò lail ò.

'S MULADACH mi 'n diugh 's mi 'g èiridh.

Ni Mhic Ailein na bi 'n èud rium.

Cha 'n 'eil mi 'n tòir air do chèile.

Tha mi teisteil air na dhèigh sin.

Kachainn leat tro' chuan na h-Eirionn.

Far an seòladh luingeas ghleusda.

'S far am biodh muir àrd ag èiridh.

Mucan, is turcan, is bèistean.

'S creagan a freagairt a chèile.

Kachainn leat air ciil tigh chùmhnaidh.

Far a faighinn modh is mùirn anu.

'S daoin' uaisle mu bhordaibh dùmhail.

Ruidhle gu tric air an ùrlar.

Le piob mhòr nam feadan siubhlach.

'S le fiodhal bhinn nan teudan ciuine.

Rachainn leat do 'n Chaisteal Thioram.

Far am bi 'n togsaid a sileadh.

Ochan nan och ! mar tha sinne.

Tha ar dùthaich gun cheann fine.

ORAN LUAIDH. 243

'Freasdal làn an dùirn de ghiollan.

Mhnathan, nach tog sibh le m' èubha.

Cha tog mise, togaibh fèin i.

'S ann domh fèin bu chòir a h-èigheach.

A mhnathan a chruidh, 'n crodh a gèumnaich.

Gaoir nan creach gan cur o chèile,

'S tìm dhuinn a ghaoil a bhi tilleadh.

Chaidh na Leathanaich tro' 'n linnidh.

Camaronaich o'n ghormin bhioraich.

'S Domhnullach nach leugh an giorag.

Chuireadh Siol Leoid air an uillinn.

Nan druideadh gach eun ri fhine.

Dh' èireadh na Domhnullaich leinne.

B' eòl dhomh fèin a chùirt a leanainn.

Cuirt a Ghruamaich, cùirt a Ghallaich.

Cuirt an Domhnuill Ghuirm nach mairionn.

244 THB MACDONALD COLLBCTION OP GABUO POBTBY,

ORAN LUAIDH.

' 'N BAOIR a chunnaic mi 'n aisling,
Hò iri ri hò,
Hò èileadh hò rotho,
Hò iri ri hò.

^ 'N am dusgadh cha b 'cheart i,
Hò iri, etc.

Thusa ghràidh a thigh 'n dhachaigh,
Hò iri, etc.

^ A Sheumais na brataich,
Hò iri, etc.

'S tu bhi eadar mo ghlacaibh ;
Hò iri, etc.

Rinn mi m' achanaich feasgar,
Hò iri, etc.

Gaoth an lar a thigh 'n deiseal,
Hò iri, etc.

\' Gu'n tigeadh na fleasgaich,
Hò iri, etc.

Is boidhche 'nan deise,
Hò iri, etc.

Di-Dumhnaich 's an eaglais ;
Hò iri, etc.

'8 gu'n tigeadh na h-àxmuinn,
Hò iri, etc.

Fear Bhorreraidh 's fear Bhàlaidh,
Hò iri, etc.

OKAN LUAIDH. 245

'S fear Ghriminis làmh riu,
Hò iri, etc.

Fear Bhannta cha 'n fhàg mi,
Hò iri, etc.

Fir òg Thigh-a-Gheàrraidh,
Hò iri, etc.

l'ear Heiscer an t-sàile,
Hò iri, etc.

Agus fear Bhaile-Ràghail ;
Hò iri, etc.

'S ma 's e deireadh mo dhàin thu,
Hò iri, etc.

Cha bu dheireach air chàch thu :
Hò iri, etc.

'S e do bhuideal nach tràghadh,
Hò iri, etc.

Togsaid mhor air a h-eàrradh ;
Hò iri, etc.

Fir Uidhist a mach leat;
Hò iri, etc.

Fir Throtairneis dhachaigh.
Hò iri, etc.

246 THB MACDONALD COLLBCTION OF OAELIC POKTRY.

OBAN LUAIDH.

'Chailin Oig an stiuir thu mi ?
'Chailin Oig, o hurabhotho.

Latha dhomh 's mi falbh na sràide,
'Chailin Oig, etc.

Thachair orm an donn bhean dàna,
'Chailin Oig, etc.

Thug i do 'n eaglais air laimh mi,
'Chailin Oig, etc.

'S thug i mionan mòr an là sin,
'Chailin Oig, etc.

Nach gabhadh i fear na'm' àite,
'Chailin Oig, etc.

Laidh mis' anns an fhiabhrus ghràineil,
'Chailin Oig, etc.

Thug mi bliadhna mhòr is raith' ann,
'Chailin Oig, etc.

'S thainig an cailin donn, dàna,
'Chailin Oig, etc.

'S dhìrich i 'n uinneag a b' àirde,
'Chailin Oig, etc.

'llle sin shuas, Ciamar tha thu?
'Chailin Oig, etc.

Olc le m' charaid, 's maith le m' nàmhaid,
'Chailin Oig, etc.

Dh' eirich mise la 'r-na-mhàireach,
'Chailin Oie, etc.

ORAN LUAIDH. 247

'S ghabh mi ceum beag cho na sràide,
'Chailin Oig, etc.

Chuir mi leth na cluic air Manus,
'Chailin Oig, etc.

'S an leth eil' air Righ na Spàine,
- 'Chailin Oig, etc.

Chailin cuimhnich buachaile linn' thu,
"Chailin Oig, etc.

'S feairde banachaig buachail' aice,
'Chailin Oig, etc.

Chuireadh an crodh laoigh gu fasgadh,
'Chailin Oig, etc.

248 THK MACDONALD CX)LLBCT10N OF GAKLIC l'OKTKY.

ORAN LUAIDH.

Cùm ua ghealladh e,
Gheall e dhomhs' e,
Cùm na ghealladh e.

Gheall mo leanuan dhomh . . Cùm na ghealladh e

Fàine de 'n òr Cùm na ghealladh e

Còta de 'n t-sròl Cùm ua ghealladh e

'Mhealladh ua seòid Cùm na ghealladh e

Gheall e dhomhs' e
Cùm na ghealladh e

'S e nach gealladh e? Ciim na ghealladh e

Ni nach cumadh e ? Cùm na ghealladh e

Chumadh e, ghearradh e . . . . Ciim na ghealladh e

Gheall e dhomhs' e
Cùm na ghealladh e

'Nighean ud thall Ciìm na ghealladh e

Bi na 'd fhaireachadh Cùm na ghealladh e

Seall a mach Cùm na ghealladh e

Bheil a ghealach ann ? Ciìm na ghealladh e

Na bheil a ghaoth Ciìm na ghealladh e

'N iar a carachadh ? Ciim na ghealladh e

Faod a bhirlinu Ciim na ghealladh e

'S buill 'gan teannachadh .... Ciim na ghealladh e
Chum 's gun tarruing sinn .... Cùm na ghealladh e

Gu tìr aineolach Ciim na ghealladh e

'S an gealladh a choimlionadh Gheall e dhomhs' e

ORAN LUAIDH. 249

OEAN LUAIDH.

'S A Mhairi Bhàn a bhroillich ghle-ghil,
Hi ri ri ri ri ibhò.

'S muladach mi 's a Chaol-Rònach.
Hò rò ohi oho,
Urabhi uo rotho.

Cha 'n ioghnadh e 's gun mi fallain,
Hi ri, etc.

M'eudail mhòr Macleoid na Hearradh,
Hò rò, etc.

'S breugach mo bheul, tha mi mearachd,
Hi ri, etc.

'S e m'eudail mhòr Mac 'ic Ailein.
Hò rò, etc.

Ged a chuir thu mi as m' fhearann.
Hi ri, etc.

Thug thu fearann saor dha m' sheannair.
Hò rò, etc.

B' fhearr dhuit mi no Nic a Bhanich.
Hi ri, etc.

Na tha beò de shliochd a seannar.
Hò rò, etc.

Siol na brùide mòire, mosaich.

Hi ri, etc.

Eisd ! a chaile, sguir dheth d' sgeòdail,
Hò rò, etc.

'N cuimhneach leat gur a beò mi?
Hi ri, etc.

250 THB MACDONALD COLLBCTION OF QABLIO POBTBY.

Am chrùbadan ri cùl na còmhla,
Hò rò, etc.

Tha mo theanga fallain còmhnard.
Hi ri, etc.

Chaidh i ri cloich air a bhò-raoir,
Hò rò, etc.

Tha tri ruinn is faobhar gleòis orr'.
Hi ri, etc.

A bhradag nan obag 's nan òthan,
Hò rò, etc.

A bheireadh air na luingeas seòladh.
Hi ri, etc.

Air aodan uam beanntan mòra.

Hò rò, etc.

A chuireadh na cuirp mharbha' chòmhrag.
Hi ri, etc.

'S muladach mi 's mi air aineoil.
Hò rò, etc.

A ooimhead uam air cuan na Hearradh.
Hi ri, etc.

Cha 'n fhaic mi tighinn mo leannan.
Hò rò, etc.

Geugaire ciuin, foinnidh, fearail.
Hi ri, etc.

Gruaidh mar chaorrunn 's caoine sealladh.
Hò rò, etc.

Breagha, bàn, mar bhàrr a chanaich.
Hi ri, etc.

Fiacail bhàn fo 'n bheul nach streamach.
Hò rò, etc.

ORAN LUAIDH. 251

'Nam faighinn-sa sud air m' ordugh.
Hi ri, etc.

An Tighearn Og a bhi 's an fheamainn,
Hò rò, etc.

Baintighearna bhi aig a' sgallaig,
Hi ri, etc.

'S Domhnull Gorm gu bruich an arain.
Hò rò, etc.

Raonull mòr a leigeadh leanna.
Hi ri, etc.

'S iosal an inbh' thug thu Dhomhnull.
Hò rò, etc.

Cha 'n e bèus mo Thighearn' Og e.
Hi ri, etc.

'S ann bhitheadh e air ceann a mhòr shluaigh.
Hò rò^ etc.

A cur nan saighdeirean an òrdugh.
Hi ri, etc.

Eobhainn Dhuinn 'ic Eoin 'ic Ailein.
Hò rò, etc.

Dhomhsa b' aithne bèus do thalla.
Hi ri, etc.

'S an fheasgar fhuar, fhaoillich Earraich.
Hò rò, etc.

Muc 'g a sgriobadh, mart 'g a feannadh.
Hi ri, etc.

Tuailtean air bhòrdaibh gealla.

Hò rò, etc.

252 THB MACDONAI.D COLLBOTION OP GAELIG POBTBY.

Fiamh na maìghdein air a chaiUich.
Hi ri, etc.

Fiamh an duin' òig air an t-seann-duin'.
Hò rò, etc.

ORAN I.UATHAIDH.

253

ORAN LUATHAIDH.

Faill-ill òro hù-a-hò,
Ill-vi ill-ò hòro èile,
Faill-ill òro hù-a-hò.

Cò sud thall air sràid na meala ?

Faill-ill òro, etc.

Cò ach clann Mhic Neill a Barraidh,
Faill-ill òro, etc.

Saoil sibh de sud air an aire ?

FaiU-ill òro, etc.

'G iarraidh gu leasachadh fearainn:
Faill-ill òro, etc.

'Nam bithinn-se roinn an fhearainn,
Faill-ill òro, etc.

Cha b' e ar cuid-sa bu ghainne;

Faill-ill òro, etc.

Bu leat Rùm is Eig is Canaidh ;

Faill-ill òro, etc.

Trotamais f o chaoirich gheala ;

Faill-ill òro, etc.

Slèibhte riabhach f o chrodh baine ;
Faill-ill òro, etc.

Uidhist bheag gu leigeadh leanna ;
Faill-ill òro, etc.

Uidhist mhòr gu deanamh arain ;

Faill-ill òro, etc.

Caisteal air gach cnoc an Eirinn ;

Faill-ill òro, etc.

Muillionn air gach sruthan slèibhe.
Faill-ill òro, etc.

254 THB MAODONALD CiOLLECTIGN OF OABLIC POBTRY.

ORAN LUAIDH.

Hòro ghealladh i,
Ho i otho;
Hòro ghealladh i,
Ho i otho.

'Ille sin shios, ho i ibho,

Hèro, etc.

Bheil thu 'd' fhaireachadh, ho i ibho.
Hòro, etc.

Seall a mach, ho i ibho,

Hòro, etc.

A bheil a ghealach ann, ho i ibho,
Hòro, etc.

Na bheil a ghaoth, ho i ibho,
Hòro, etc.

'N iar gun charachadh, ho i ibho,
Hòro, etc.

Na faod mo ghaol, ho i ibho,
Hòro, etc.

'Bhirlinn 'charachadh, ho hi ibho,
Hòro, etc.

'S a taobh theannadh, ho i ibho,
Hòro, etc.

Ri muir dùdaidh, ho i ibho,
Hòro, etc.

Dorcha, salach, ho i ibho,
Hòro, etc.

H-aghaidh a mhuir, ho i ibho,
Hòro, etc.

ORAN LUATDH. 255

Cùl a dh' fhearaim, ho i ibho,
Hòro, etc.

A bhean a chuir, ho i ibho,
Hòro, etc.

Orm an ailis, ho i ibho,

Hòro, etc.

Cha ghuidh mise, ho i ibho,
Hòro, etc.

Sgrios dha t-anam, ho i ibho,
Hòro, etc.

Ach 'bhi agad, ho i ibho,

Hòro, etc.

Fios mo ghalair, ho i ibho,
Hòro, etc.

Do chioch 'bhi làn, ho i ibho,
Hòro, etc.

'S do ghluinn falamh, ho i ibho,
Hòro, etc.

Chuir mi cuignear, ho i ibho,
Hòro, etc.

Anns an talamh, ho i ibho,
Hòro, etc.

Una 's Sìne, ho i ibho,

Hòro, etc.

Mòr is Alasair, ho i ibho,

Hòro, etc.

Ailein a chiìil, ho i ibho,

Hòro, etc.

Rinn mo sgaradh, ho i ibho,
Hòro, etc.

256 THB MACDONALD COIjLBCTION OP OABLIC POBTRY.

'S fada 's cian, ho i ibho,

Hòro, etc.

Chi mi sealladh, ho i ibho,

Hòro, etc.

Chi mi Rùm, ho i ibho,

Hòro, etc.

Eige 's Canaidh, lio i ibho,

Hòro, etc.

Eilein na' Muc, ho i ibho,

Hòro, etc.

Tìr Mhic Alastair, ho i ibho,
Hòro, etc.

Gu ta cha 'n fhaic, ho i ibho,
Hòro, etc.

Mi na Hearradh, ho i ibho,
Hòro, etc.

Far an d' fhuair mi, ho i ibho,
Hòro, etc.

Gu h-òg m' aran, ho i ibho,
Hòro, etc.

Mùirneach, meaghrach, ho i ibho,
Hòro, etc.

Uallach, arralach, ho i ibho,
Hòro, etc.

'Raonuill, a riiin, ho i ibho.
Hòro, etc.

Cum do ghealladh rium, ho i ibho,
Hòro, etc.

Lean an diichus, ho i ibho,
Hòro, etc.

ORAN LUAIDH. 257

'Bh' aig do sheannair, ho i ibho,
Hòro, etc.

Tog do thigh air, ho i ibho,
Hòro, etc.

Ceann an rathaid, ho i ibho,
Hòro, etc.

Far an deanadh, ho i ibho.
Hòro, etc.

Uaislean tathaich, ho i ibho,
Hòro, etc.

Taghlaidh Macleoid, ho i ibho,
Hòro, etc.

Mac 'ic Alastair, ho i ibho,
Hòro, etc.

'S m'eudail mhòr, ho i ibho,
Hòro, etc.

Mac 'ic Ailein, ho i ibho,

Hòro, etc.

'S cha b' e na càird, ho i ibho,
Hòro, etc.

Na na gallain, ho i ibho,

Hòro, etc.

Togsaidean làn, ho i ibho,

Hòro, etc.

Air an ceannaibh, ho i ibho,
Hòro, etc.

'S mar dh' òladh cach, ho i ibho,
Hòro, etc.

Phaigheadh Ailein, ho i ibho,
Hòro, etc.

17

258 THE MACDONALD COLLBCTION OP OAKLIC POBTRY,

OKAN LUAIDH.

Ceud soraidh bhuam,

Huthil horò,

Dha na Hearradh,

Ho hi ibhò,

Gu lain Caimbeul,

Huthil horò,

Donn, mo leannan,

Och òirinn ò.

Gur tric a laidh,

Huthil horò,

Mi fo 'd' earradh,

Ho hi ibhò,

Ma laidh, cha b' ann,

Huthil horò,

Aig a bhaile,

Och òirinn ò.

An lagan uaigneach,

Huthil horò,

An cluain a bharraich,
Ho hi ibhò,

'S tu firionach,

Huthil horò,

Leam is docha,

Och òirinn ò.

Choisich air feur,

Huthil horò,

ORAN LUAIDH. 259

Na air fochmm,

Ho iii ibliò,

A chuir a chas,

Huthil horò,

'M bròig no stocain

Och òirinn ò.

Reiteach a nochd,

Huthil horò,

'S a bhail' uachdrach,

Ho hi ibhò,

Ma dh' fhaodas mi,

Huthil horò,

Ni mi bhuannachd,

Och òirinn ò.

Nan cluinninn te,

Huthil horò,

Eile luaidh riut,

Ho hi ibhò,

Spionainn bun is,

Huthil horò,

Barr a cuailein,

Och òirinn ò.

Leumadh mo shròn,

Huthil horò,

'N àird na stuaighe,

Ho hi ibhò,

'S gu falbhadh m' fheòil
Huthil horò,

Na ceò uaine,

Och òirinn ò.

260 THB MAODONALD OOLLBCTION OF OABLIC POBTRT.

'S mise bhean bhochd,

Huthil horò,

/ Th' air mo sgarradh,

Ho hi ibhò>

Air mo ghualladh,

Huthil horò,

'S air mo ghearradh,

Och òirinn ò.

Mo fhleasgach donn,

Huthil horò,

Aig a bhaile,

Ho hi ibhò,

Cha teid smal air,

Huthil horò,

Choinnle geala,

Och òirinn ò.

6un teid iHir air,

Huthil horò,

Sìkil mo leannain,

Ho hi ibhò,

Gun tug Clann Neill,

Huthil horò,

Druim a chuain orr',

OcK òirinn ò.

Le longanan,

Huthil horò,

Loma, luatha,

Ho hi ibhò,

'S le 'm brataichean,

Huthil horò,

(}orm is uaine,

Och òirìnn ò.

ORAN LUAIDH. 261

OKAN LUAIDH.

Hò horo hùthil otho,
Hìlein beag hùthil ò,
Hò horo hùthil otho.

Dh' eirich mi gu moch ro 'n latha,
Hò horo, etc.

Choimhid air cuid eorna m' athar,
Hò horo, etc.

Chunnaic mi 'n crodh mòr nan laidhe,
Hò horo, etc.

'S cha 'n fhaca mi an t-agh caisionn,
Hò horo, etc.

Ghabh mi sios air tràigh na h-amhuinn,
Hò horo, etc.

'S chuala mi torghan 's an t-sabhal,
Hò horo, etc.

Mar gu 'm biodh cliath-luaidh fo mhnathan,
Hò horo, etc.

No banntrach, 's e 'g iarraidh mnatha,
Hò horo, etc.

Na fear òg an deigh a f aighinn,

Hò horo, etc.

Ghabh mi stigh air feadh an tighe,
Hò horo, etc.

Bheannaich mi gu ciuin dha m' athair,
Hò horo, etc.

'S co fhreagradh ach bean an tighe,
Hò horo, etc.

262 THE MACDONALD COLLECTION OF GABLIC POBTRT.

Dean suidhe, 's gur e do bheatha,
Hò horo, etc.

Gheibh thu biadh, ma ni thu ghabhail,
Hò horo, etc.

'S gheibh thu deoch, ma tha ort paghadh,
Hò horo, etc.

Beòir, na fion, no uisge-beatha,
Hò horo, etc.

No leann làidir thig o'n dabhach.
Hò horo, etc.

ORAN LUAIDH. 263

OKAN LUAIDH.

EiLE 's na hurabh otho.

'S fliuch an oidhche,
O hu otho.

Nochd, 's gur fuar i,
Eile, etc.

Thug an iubhrach,
O hu otho.

'N diugh an cuan orr',
Eile, etc.

Gu ma slàn,

O hu otho.

An lamh a dh' fhuaigh i,
Eile, etc.

Dh' fhag gu luchdmhor,
O hu otho.

Laidir, luath i,

Eile, etc.

Aigionnach, a' siubhal cuain i,
O hu otho.

'S iomadh sgeir dhubh,
Eile, etc.

RÌ8 'n do shuath i,
O hu otho.

Agus duilleasg donn a bhuain i,
Eile, etc.

Agus bàirlinn 'ruith ro' guaillean,
O hu otho.

264 THB MACDONALD GOLLIOTION OP GAXLIO POITRT.

AgUB bàirneach ghlas a ghluais i,
£ile, etc.

'8 cha 'n 'eil cùram,
O hu otho.

Orm na buana,

Eile, etc.

Na cùram chruidh,
O hu otho.

'Bhi ri 'n uallach,
Eile, etc.

Ach do chiiram,

O hu otho.

'Rùin a Ruairidh,
Eile, etc.

'N cuimhneach leatsa,
O hu otho.

'N oidhche bha sinn,
Eile, etc.

Air a bhàta,

O hu otho.

'N Coire-bhreacain,
Eile, etc.

B' fheadar dhuinne,
O hu otho.

Na siuil bheagadh,
Eile, etc.

'S na siuil mhòra,

O hu otho.

'Chur ri crannaibh,
Eile, etc.

ORAN LUATDH. 265

ORAN LUAIDH.

Hillin o hi ri horo,
Na hiullin iro,
Hìri horotho.

Alastair Oig 'ic 'ic Neacail,
Hillin, etc.

B' fhearr leam fhin gu 'm beirinn mac dhuit,
Hillin, etc.

Cuignear, no seisear, no seachdnar,
Hillin, etc.

Bheirinn cioch is glìiin dha nasgaidh,
Hillin, etc.

'S thogainn suas air bharraibh bas iad,
Hillin, etc.

Air mo ghuallainn, far am faicht' iad,
Hillin, etc.

Dh' òlta fion air bòrd am baistidh,
Hillin, etc.

Dh' òlta fion dearg, is fion daithte,
Hillin, etc.

'S bheirinn ceaird an laimh gach mac dhiubh,
HiUin, etc.

Fear na dhiuc dhiubh, 's fear na chaiptin,
Hillin, etc.

Fear air an luing mhòir an Sasuinn,
Hillin, etc.

'S fear na cheannard air na gaisgich,
Hillin, etc.

'S gheibhte dròbhair mòr na' mart dhiubh,
Hillin, etc.

266 THE MAODONALD COLLECTION OF GABLIC POETRY,

OKAN LUAIDH.

Hi ri ri ri ri ù.

Mile marbhphaisg air a ghaol.

Hò hi uo hò ibhò,
Ho hi uo hò hi ù,
Haori uo ho ibhò.

Asam fhiu a thug e chlaoidh,
Hi ri, etc.

Sgoilt e mo chridhe 'nam chom,
Hò hi, etc.

Dh' fhuasgail e 'm falt far mo chinn,
Hi ri, etc.

Mu 'n fhear a dh' fhalbh 's nach do thiU,
Hò hi, etc.

'S truagh nach mise bh' air an luing,
Hi ri, etc.

'Dol a dh' America null,

Hò hi, etc.

Chuirinn a mate ìb.t na stiuir,
Hi ri, etc.

'S chuirinn an sgiobair do 'n ghrunnd,
Hò hi, etc.

'S bithinn fhin 's mo ghaol fo rùm,
Hi ri, etc.

Cha teid mi gu mac a' mhaoir,
Hò hi, etc.

Na idir gu mac an t-saoir.
Hi ri, etc.

OKAN LUAIDH. 267

Cha teid mise, cha teid mi,
Hò hi, etc.

Cha teid mi gu giu 's an tìr,
Hi ri, etc.

Gus an tig mo leannan fhin,
Hò hi, etc.

Giamanach a ghunna chaoil,
Hi ri, etc.

'Leagas an eal' air a taobh,
Hò hi, etc.

'S earba bheag nan gearra-chas caol
Hi ri, etc.

An coilleach dubh air bharr an fhraoich.
Hò hi, etc.

2G8 THE MACOONALD COLLBOTION OF GAKLIO POKTRT.

ORAN LUAIDH.

Hì otho hi ua,
Hìl ò hòg ù.

GuR e mise tha fo ghruaim,
Hìl ò, etc.

H-uile latha 's Diluain,

Hi otho, etc.

'S mi ri caoidh ua dh' fhalbh uam,
Hìl ò, etc.

Cha 'n fhear dubh, cha 'n fhear ruadh,
Hi otho, etc.

Ach fear buidhe gun ghruaim,
Hìl ò, etc.

Fear dha maith do 'n tig sguaid,
Hi otho, etc.

Feile beag ann an cuaich,
Hìl ò, etc.

'S bròg bhileach gun chuaig,
Hi otho, etc.

Sgiath bhreac nam ball dual,
Hìl ò, etc.

Air do shlinnein gun uaill,
Hi otho, etc.

'S bu tu maraiche' chuain,
Hìl ò, etc.

Ged a sheideadh i cruaidh,
Hi otho, etc.

ORAN LUAIDH 269

Le cloich mheallaiii o 'n Tuath,
Hìl ò, etc.

'S tu gun cuireadh i suas,

Hi otho, etc.

Ro Chaol Mhuile 'na ruaig.
Hìl ò, etc.

270 THB MACDONALD OOLUBCTION OF QABLIO POBTBY.

ORAN LUAIDH.

Hìlin ò rò bha hò.

'S MULADACH mi 's mi air m' aineoil.

E ho hao ri horo

Hòg ibhò,
Hilin ò rò bha hò.

'S mi 'm aonar 's an cilein mhara,
Hilin ò, etc.

'S mi chuideachd air dithis leanabh,
E ho hao, etc.

Catriona Bheag agus Anna,
Hilin ò, etc.

Gur a he mo rìin na gillean,
E ho hao, etc.

Bha 'n raoir an Eilean-na-Cille,
Hilin ò, etc.

Dh' iomradh ràmh 's a dh' eigheadh iorram
E ho hao, etc.

Chuireadh i gu calla tioram,
Hilin ò, etc.

Gu acarsaid Challuim Chille,
E ho hao, etc.

'S gur a he mo rùn na seòid,
Hilin ò, etc.

Bh' agam an raoir mu 'n a bhòrd,
E ho hao, etc.

Bha Mac Coinnich ann, 's MacLeoid,
Hilin ò, etc.

ORAN LUAIDH. 271

Mac 'ic Alastair o'n chrò,

E ho hao, etc,

'S MacFhionghainn o Shrath nam bò,
Hilin ò, etc.

'S Mac 'ic Ailein nach 'eil beò,
E ho hao, etc.

Na geoidh fhiadhaich a dol seachad,
Hilin ò, etc.

Faodaidh iad sud 's a bhi fallaìn,
E ho hao, etc.

Chaìdh na sealgairean gu baile,
Hilin ò, etc.

272 THB MACDONALD COLLECmON OF GAELIO POBTRT,

ORAN LUAIDH.

Hi ri ri ri ri ibhò,
Hoireann ho hu otho eile,
Hi ri ri ri ri ibhò.

'Mhairi ùr a shùgh mo cheile,

Hi ri, etc.
Mhairi bhàn a bhrollaich gle-ghil ;
Mhairi mheachair bhoidheach bheul-dearg ;
Mhairi nach freagair thu m' eighe;
Cha dùisg fiodhal thu 'ga gleusadh,
No piob-mhor nam feadan eibhinn ;
Cha dùisg glaodh do mhàthar fein thu,
Mhairi am freagair thu idir,
Cha f hreagair mo thruaighe mise ;
'S lionmhor duine nochd a' d' bhaile,
Ma tha cha 'n ann chum do bhanais,
Gus do chur an ùir am falach,
Far nach cluinn thu glaodh do charaid.
Mhairi nach freagair thu idir,
Cha f hreagair mo thruaighe mise ;
Bha mi 'n raoir aig bruaich do lice,
Ma bha cha b' fheairde mo mhisneachd ;
B' fhurasda dhomh falbh gun fhios duit.
'S mise tha 'n diugh air mo chlisgeadh ;
Mo chridhe trom 's mo shuil silteach ;
Anart 'ga shròiceadh 's ga bhristeadh;
'S na saoir a' sàbhadh do chiste.

ORAN LUAIDH. 273

ORAN LUAIDH.

NiGHEAN chruinn donn dhuit is eibhinn,
E ho hi hug hoireann horo,

Na bric 's na bradain a' leum riut,
E ho hi na hiri O,
Na haoi-ri-ri hug hoireann horo.

Na fir gheai' air thi do theumadh,

Air bhruaich do leapadh ag eiridh,

Tha maraiche air thi do bhuannachd,

Cha mharaich e ach duin' uasal,

B' aithne dhomh fhin na chum uam thu,

Meud mo ghaoil ort lughad m' fhuath dhuit,

M' athair a' bhi marbh 's an fhuar-lic,

'S mo mhathair a bhi sinte suas ris;

Tained mo chrodh laoigh air bhuailtibh ;

Gun a h-aon ann, dubh no ruadh dhiubh,

Gun mhart idir air 'n teid buarach,

Aighean druim-fhionn croidhean guaillfhionn,

Gun mo chaoirich mhaol air bruachan,

Gun mo ghearrain anns an luachair.

Mhic an fhir o'n Lagan lasrach,

Mharcaich an steud a bha 'n Sasuinn,

Bha seachd bliadhn' air stapull glaiste,

Gun talamh gun adhar fhaicinn;

Thug thu fion dhi mar dheoch maidne ;

Chuir thu cruithneachd bàn na prasaich ;

Chuir thu cruithean òir fo casan ;

Chuir thu srian dhe 'n airgiod ghlas ri ;

'Nuair a leig thu sin a mach i,

Chuir i muir is tir f o casan ;

Leum i geata nan seachd glasan,

'S an geata mòr a bha faisg air.

Dh' fhaighneachd an Righ co fear tapaidh ;

Domhnull Og o'n Lagan lasrach,

O thaobh Lochiall is Loch Aircneig,

18

274 THB MACDONALD OOLLKCTION OP GAILIC POBTRT.

Thug an Rigb dha làn na h-aide,
Dhe 'n òr a chììineadh an Sasuinn,
Sgap e 8ud air feadh an achaidh ;
Cha 'n ann le tàir no le magadh,
Eagal thoirt do Alba masla.

ORAN LUAIDH. 275

ORAN LUAIDH.

GuR a mise, hèman dubh,
Kinn an t-sochair, hèman dubh.

'N oidhche bha mi, hao ri horò,
'N còir an lochain, hèman dubh.

Hao ri horò.

Hèman dubh hò rò.

'Nuair a dhiult mi,

Hao ri hò ro,

Fear a phoca,

Hèman dubh hò rò.
Hèman dubh hò rò.

Air a dhinneadh,
'S air a stopadh.

'S air a cheangal
Gu cruaidh cnoiseach.

Le min mhìnghil,
Chaoinghil, chorca.

C'àite 'm facas,
Fear do choltais.

Nach ann agam
Bha do thoiseach !

Bho nach facas,
Fionn no Ossian.

No Diarmad Donn
Mac Righ Lochlann.

Tha dùil Cholla
'Nochd an Eirinn,

i

276 THE MACDONALD OOLLBCTION OP GAELIC POBTRY.

Bidh e 'n ath-oidhch'
'S an Aird-Shleibhteach.

'S an treas oidhche
'N tùr na bciste.

Ni e pronnadh,
'S ni e reubadh.

Teachdaireachd o'n
Righ 'ga iarraidh.

Gille 's litir,
Each is diollaid.

Fallairidh dhonn,
\ Spuir is srian ri.

Nam bu mhise
Gille biadhte.

Bheirinn seagall,
Bheirinn siol di.

Bheirinn cruithneachd,
Bheirinn fion di.

Bheirinn gaoth nan
Cnoc 's nan sliabh dhi.

Nan eisdeadh sibh
Rium, a mhnathan.

Dh' innsinn mo sgeul
Dhuibh air m' athair.

Gu 'n deachaidh an làn
Mòr 's an fhaoghail.

'S nach faodainn mo
Ghaol a thaghal.

Nam bithinn-sa

An riochd na lachann.

ORAN LUAIDH. 277

An riochd na faolinn,
Caoile glaise.

Shnàmhainn an cuan
Air a tharsuinn.

Leumainn gu h-àrd
Bàrr a chaisteil.

'S bheirinn a mach
Mor nighean Lachlainn.

Bean a chuailein,
Chuachaich, chleacbdaich.

Bean nan siil gorm
Mar an dearcag.

'S bean nan gruaidh-dhearg
Mar a chorcuir.

Gur a mise, hèman dubh,
Rinn an t-sochair, etc.

278 THK MACDONALD COLLBUTION OF (iAKUC POKTBY

MOR NIGHEAN A GllIOliAllLAlN.

Air fàil il o,

Agus ò rò 's eagal leam,

Air fàil ìl o,

Agus hò rò 's eagal leam,

Fàil ìl o,

Agus hò rò 's eagal leam ;

Gu 'n d' rinn fear eile foill

Air a' chaoimhueas a bh' eadarainu.

'Nam bithinn air an àiridh,

Mo Mhòr Nigh'n a Ghiobarlaiu,

Gun deanain suidhe laimh riut,

Mo Mhòr Nigh'n a Ghiobarlain ;

Rachainn fhìn cho dàn ort,

Mo Mhòr Nigh'n a Ghiobarlaiu,

'S a chaidh t-athair air do nihàthair,

Mo Mhòr Nigh'n a Ghiobarlain.

Ciod a thug a Shleibht' thu,
Mo Mhòr Nigh'n a Ghiobarlaiu V
A thathaich air Sir Seumas,
Mo Mhòr Nigh'n a Ghiobarlain V
Tha ioniad fear an dèigh ort,
Mo Mhòr Nigh'n a Ghiobarlain,
Nach fòghnadh a bhean fein leis,
Mo Mhòr Nigh'n a Ghiobarlain.

Cò nis is boiche

Na Mòr Nigh'n a Ghiobarlain ?

Bidh stocainean is brògan,

Air Mòr Nigh'n a Ghiobarlain ;

Cota ribeach, ròineach,

Air Mòr Nigh'n a Ghiobarlain ;

'8 cha 'n fhaighear bean is bòiche

Na Mòr Nigh'n a Ghiobarlain.

MOR NIGHBAN A GniOBARLAIN. 279

'S mòr an gaol th' aig t' athair ort,
A Mhòr Nigh'n a Ghiobarlain,
Bheir e crodh is aighean dhuit,
A Mhòr Nigh'n a Ghiobarlain;
Tigh aig taobh au rathaid dhuit,
A Mhòr Nigh'n a Ghiobarlain,
'S bidh daoin' uaisl' a tathaich ort,
A Mhòr Nighean a Ghiobarlain.

'S maith a thig an gùn dhuit,
A Mhòr Nigh'n a Ghiobarlain;
Pleatadh air a chùlthaobh,
A Mhòr Nigh'n a Ghiobarlainj
Currachd an dà chriiin ort,
A Mhòr Nigh'n a Ghiobarlain;
'S coltach ri ceann riid' thu,
A Mhòr Nigh'n a Ghiobarlain.

'Nuair nithear an gìin bainnse,

A Mhòr Nigh'n a Ghiobarlain,

Cha bhi dad a mheang air,

A Mhòr Nigh'n a Ghiobarlain ;

Sash a shioda Frangach,

Air Mòr Nigh'n a Ghiobarlain,

Gus a chumail teann ort,

A Mhòr Nigh'n a Ghiobarlain.

'S ann a tha na neonagan,

Aig lain Mac a Ghiobarlain,

Mòrag is laghach i,

O nighean sgiobalta;

Cha 'n 'eil gas aig tàilleir,

A ghràdhag nach tigeadh dhuit ;

'S maith thig cota-gearr dhuit,

'S cha chearr thig a bhriogais dhuit.

Chunnaic mise bruadar,

A Mhòr Nigh'n a Ghiobarlain,

Thu bhi air mo chluasaig,

A Mhòr Nigh'n a Ghiobarlain,

'Nuair dhuisg mi as an t-suain sin,

A Mhòr Nigh'n a Ghiobarlain,

Cha robh ann ach tuaileas.

280 THE MACJJONAl.U OOLLBCTION OP U.VBiaC l'OETBV.

Cha 'n e bòichead t-aodain,
A Mhòr Nigh'n a Ghiobarlain.
A thromaich mo ghaol ort,
A Mhòr Nigh'n a Ghiobarlain,
O nach diubh thu 'n t-saothair,
A Mhòr Nigh'n a Ghiobarlain ;
Sguiridh mi dhoth t' aoireadh,
A Mhòr Nigh'n a Ghiobarlain.

AIR CALL A CHRAINN CIUIL. 281

AIR CALL A CHRAINN CIUIL.
Le Ruairidh Moireastan, an Clarsair Dall.

A RiGH gur cruaidh mo sgeul,

Mo chràdh geur, mo chreach, mo chall,

O laidh air m' inntiiiii sac

'S a laidh air m' aigne meall,

'S a dh' imich uam mo chrann,

'S nach faigh mi shamhla 's tìr,

Gur aobhar mulaid leam

Mo chrann a bhi 'g am dhìth.

'S an caidrimh nam ban òga
D' am dheòin cha teid mi ann,
Cha 'n ialaidh mi nan còir
'S nach eisdear leò mo chainnt;
'S ged dh' èireadh dhomh dol ann,
Cha 'n fhaighinn ann de chiiirt,
Ach fhaighneachd dhiom 's gach am,
'N tu chaill do chrann 's an smùr.

'N sin thubhairt Baintighearna Mhic Leoid,
" Cha chreach gun tòir 'rug ort,
Ma tha do chrann ga d' dhìth,
Cha 'n ioghn' thu bhi fo sproc;
Ach air n' àile dheanainn aircheas
O'n dh' èirich dhuit a chall,
'S na faight' a shamhl' air fèill
Gun ceannaichean fèin dhuit crannn."

" Beannachd dhuibhse 's buaidh,
O'n sibh thuigeadh uam mar tha,
Ag amharc air mo thruaigh
O'n tha mi cruaidh an càs ;
Air eagal mi dhol bàs
Cuiribh sgiobadh 's bàt' air tuinn,
'S gu'm faigh sinn barrachd chrann
Ged bheir sinn geall da chionn."

282 THB MACDONAIjD collection of gaklic pobthy.

Tha agamsa na ni t' fheum,
Nach leig eislein anns an tòir,
Bàta gniomhach glèusda,
Agus sgiobadh trèun do-leòn;
lughinne Mhic Leoid,
'S Nic Neacail mhòir nan saoi,
'8 nighean a ghaill ghlais,
'Dhol a mharsantachd a chruinn.

Bi Nic Ghillemhuir' air stiuir
'S Nigh'n Uisdein anns a bheirt,
Nic Fhearghuis anns an scòd,
'S an stagh aig Seonaid Bhreac ;
Nigh'n Andra Chaoil na drip,
'S i 'n taice ris an aoir,
'S i trusadh leatha suas
Mar bu luime luath a ghaoth.

'S bi Nic an Fhleisdeir air chul siuil,
'S i 'g inns' an iuil gu grinn ;
Nigh'n Domhnuill Ruaidh 's an truis,
Seonaid Fhrisealach 's an tuim,
Nic-a-Phearsoin gu trom tinn,
'S i cur os a cinn a luchd ;
'S bi an abhsa ealamh rèidh
Aig Nigh'n Tormaid Leith nam muc.

'S ma dh' fhalbh am bàta uainn,

Air a chuan cha d' rinn i tàmh ;

Am Barraidh chaidh i air tìr

Ann an Cìsamal Mhic Neill ;

'N sin ghabh na seoid mu thamh,

'S chuir iad dhiubh pàirt dhe 'n sgios,

Leig iad fios a tuath 's a deas

An robh croinn ra 'n reic 's an tìr.

'N sin nuair a egaoil an sgeul,
Feadh tìr Mhic Neill air fad,
Chruinnich iad uile r'a cheil'
Eadar trèun agus lag :
Eadar gach te liath is cailleag,
'S iad an gradaig gu dol ann,
Bha gach te le iomadh breid
'S i na ruith gu fèill nan crann.

AIB CALL CHRAINN CIUIL, 283

Gur a truime leam nam bàs

lomradh ràmh nam ban,

Ma chi iad fear gun chrann,

'S e 'na shuidhe thall 's an t-sreath,

Caogaidh ise le sùil

Ris an neach an " iùl ud thall,"

Chaidh t' iunstramaid o ghlèus

O'n chaill thu fein do chrann.

284 THE MAl lM).\.\l,i) ( ol.l.MI ID.N ())• ...Xhl.H ioKIKV.

RANNAN BREIGK

Tha chuthag is gug gùg aice,
Gug gùc aice, gug gùc aice,
Tha chuthag is gug gùg aice,
'S i piocadh sùl nan caorach.

Fhuair mi nead na liath-chirce,
Air bharr nan tonnan fiadhaich ;
An coileach anns a' chliabadaich,
Is cliabh air bac a ghaoirdein.

Chunna mi gu m' fhioerachadh,
Na roin a' falbh le litrichean,
Màileid is pelisse orra,
Is iad cho glic ri daoine.

Chunna mi na partanan
A' danns' air urlar charpatan ;
A chorra ghridheach 's bat' aice,
'S i cur a steach nan caorach.

Chunna mi na tàrmaichean
Air talamh toll 's an àrd-dhorus ;
An dreathan-donn 's da ràmh aige
'Cur bàt' an aghaidh gaoithe.

Chunna mi na cudaigean,
A' sniomh air an cuid chuigealan ;
An iolair mhor is buideal air,
A' falbh an cuideachd dhaoine.

Chunna mi na siolagan
A' seoladh anns an iarmailte;
'S an leobag chearr is srian rithe,
'S i 'g iarraidh chon an aonaich.

Chunna mi na donnagan

Is cuala mòr de chonadh orr',

An fhaochag bheag 's an donnalaich

A' falbh is dronnag fhraoich orr'.

SBANN ORAN LBODHASACH, 285

SEANN OEAN LEODHASACH.

Odro oichinn, ichinn, oichinn,
Taobh na lurgan air a losgadh,
Odro oichinn, ichinn, oichinn,
Taobh na lurga luatha.

Am fasan a bh' ac' ann an Uige,
Cha 'n fhaca mi riamh na m' dhùhaich ;
Gabhail de 'n bhat' air mo chiilthaobh,
Smiiid as a chliabh-luatha.

Na faiceadh tu Mòr is Callum,
Sud far an robh firum farum,
Mheud 'sa dh' òladh iad dheth 'n drama
Shracadh iad na cuairein.

Ulaidh ! na faioeadh tu Uisdean,
Na sheasamh a danns' air urlar,
Theicheadh tu roimh anns na cùiltean
Le mhiisg-shùilean ruadha !

286 THK MAODONALD OOLLBCTION OP OABLIC POBTBT,

HORO BHODACHAIN HORO.

'S ANN agam-sa bha 'm bodach brògach,
Hòro bhodachain hòrò,

Ra'dh seice 'n tairbh mhòir na bhrògan,"
Ubh, ubh, ubh, ubhan, h-ubhi,
Hao ri, ri ri, ri ri, ri-ibh-ag,

Hao ri ho hi,

Horo bhodachain hòrò.

Ra'dh peice na bhonnach eòrna,
Hòro, etc.

'Nuair thig mo bhodach-sa dhachaidh,
Hòro, etc.

Bheir e huricium, haraicium, harud,
Ubh, ubh, etc.

Ciod e lag ud anns an luathaidh ?
Hòro, etc.

C'àit 'eil ubh na circe maoile?
Ubh, ubh, etc.

'S an rud beag ime bh' air an truinnseir ?
Hòro, etc.

'S ann agam-sa bha 'm bodach miothar,
Ubh, ubh, etc.

Dh' itheadh e fuighleach a naoidhein,
Hòro, etc.

'S na thigeadh a ùgh na bà maoile,
Ubh, ubh, etc.

'S truagh nach robh bodaich an domhain,
Hòro, etc.

HORO BHODACHAIN HORO. 287

Air an tràigh 's an làn gan togail,
Ubli, ubh, etc.

'S truagh nach robh bodaich an t-saoghail,
Hòro, etc.

'N taobh a muigh de shruth na Maoile,
Ubh, ubh, etc.

Gun choite, gun ràmh, gun taoman,
Hòro, etc.

'S mo bhodach-sa 'bhi na aonar,
Ubh, ubh, etc.

288 THB MACDONALD COLLBOnON OP GABLIC POBTRT.

BODACHAN A GHARAIDH.

BoDACHAN a ghàraidh,

Gur friogant' e, gur frogant' e ;

Bodachan a ghàraidh,

Cho frioganta 's a bha e riamh.

'S ann an Tigh-a-gheàrraidh,
A rugadh mi 's a thogadh mi;
'S ann an Tigh-a-gheàrraidh,
A rugadh mi 's a bha mi riamh.

Bodach nan tri òrdag

A thug a bhean o'n othanaich ;

Bodach nan tri òrdag,

A fhuair a bhean anns an robh ciall.

O gu'n robh nighean aige,
E gu'n robh nighean aige;
O gu'n robh nighean aige,
Air an robh Catriona Liath.

Gu'n gabhadh i snaoisein,
'Na itichean, 's na osnaichean ;
Gu'n gabhadh i snaoisein,
As a bhocsachan dhubh chiar.

O gu'n robh banais aice,
E gu'n robh banais aice,
O gu'n robh banais aice
Nach facas a leithid riamh.

Bha buntata mòr ann,

Bioraichean is langaichean ;

Bha buntata mòr ann,

'S a chearc bhreac a bh' air a chliabh.

O gu'n robh uibhean aice,
E gu'n robh uibhean aice,
O gu'n robh uibhean aice,
Sud na h-uibhean 's an robh 'm biadh.

ORAN DO DHROCH BHAILIDH. 269

ORAN DO DHROCH BHAILIDH.

A CHOTAiN duibh, o hìllein,
'S a thriusair ghlais, ho raill o.

A nuair a thig an t-eug ort,

'S ann leam fein gur maith, ho raill o.

Cuiridh iad air còmhlaidh thu,
Le d' leine bhreac, ho raill o.

Togaidh sinn air còmhlaidh thu,
Is comhlan leat, ho raill o.

Togaiah sinn gu h-uallach thu,
Air guaillibh fhear, ho raill o.

Cuiridh sinn 's an uaigh thu,

'S a chlach bhuadhach leat, ho raill o.

'S nuair theid spaid de 'n ùir ort,
Gu'm bi 'n diìthaich glan, ho raill o.

Cha teid ni air t-uachdar-sa,
Ach buachar mhart, ho raill o.

'S a chaoidh cha chin a neòinein ort,
No 'm feòirnein glan, ho raill o.

Ach cinnidh foth'an 's feantag

Air do chramhlaich ghlais, ho raill o.

Cha bhi gal nam pàistean ann,
No gàirich bhan, ho raill o.

Cha bhi banntrach, 's truaghain ann,
A bhualadh bhas, ho raill o.

19

290 THB MACDONAT.D COLLBCTION OF GABLIC POBTRT.

ORAN NAN TAILLEIREAN.
Le lain MacCodrum, Bard MhicDhomhiiuiU.

MiSE 'n 80 'n am ònaran,

'S mi còmlinuidh anns na bàghanan,

Aodaichean air chòrn agam,

'S cha chum iad deò dheth 'n àileadh dhioni ;

Gun do rug an Samhradh orm

Le gealltanas nau tàilleirean,

'S gu'n aonan anns an dùthaich

Aig a bheil ri chunntais fàirdean orm.

Saoil sibh fein nach neònach e,
An leòm a tha 's na tàilleirean,
Mu 's ann o fhuil na Mìlidh
Thainig tìnnsgealadh an àrdain ud;
Cha bhi crodh air buailidh aca,
Cha bhi uallach àitich orr',
Ach ciotag, mhosach, phròiseil,
'S gur a dòlum air a sàilibh iad.

C'àit' a faic sibh òganaich

Cho spòrsail ris na tàilleirean ?

Fire ! faire ; co bhiodh ann,

'Na foghnadh danns' is gàireachdaich :

Ma bheireas dragh no trilleach orra,

Drip le mnaoi no pàisdean,

'S ann a chithear feadh na tìre iad,

Nan aoidheachaich 's nan ànrachdaich.

C'àite faca sibh Mac-Samhuil
Na' mnathan aig na tàilleirean?
'Nuair dh' eireas iad 's a' mhaduinn
Cha bhidh srad ac' ni 'm blàthachadh,
H-uile dad dhe 'n riatanas
'Ga iarraidh air na nàbaidean,
'S an te bheir ultach mòine dhaibh
'S e Dia na glòir bheir pàigheadh dhi.

ORAN NAN TAILLKIRBAN. 291

Labhair mi ris a chiad fhear dhiubh
Le rian ged a bha 'n t-Sabaid ann,
'S ann thuirt e rium gu'm b' fhaide leis
Mac-Raibeart 'bhi gun tàilleireachd ;
'S e meud do gheall air òsdairean
A dh' fhàg do phòca fàs agad,
A dh' fhàg an t-aodach tan' agad,
'S cha chuir a bhean na àite dhuit.

Labhair mi ri Mac-an-t-Saoir,

Do ghealladh saobh a shàruich mi,

Gheall thu 'm bliadhna, gheall thu 'n uiridh,

Dh' uirich thu 's cha d' thàinig thu ;

Cha bu duine breagach mi,

'S cha robh dad riamh ri àireamh orm,

'S mairg nach do rinn griasaich dhiot

'S gu 'm biodh na briagan nàdurra.

Labhair mi Mac Aonghais Ghlais —
" An tig thu mach a raàireach dhomh?"
Thuirt e, " 'S ann is neònach leam
'S tu eòl£ich air an f hàilingeadh ;
Nach fhaic thu fein bean òg agam
Nach leig 'g a deòin air fàth-chul mi,
'S ged dh' fhalbhainnse cha choisichinn,
'S cha bhi mi nochd an Càirinis."

Labhair mi ri Mac-a-Phiocair,

E dheanamh iochd is càirdeas rium;

B' eòl dhomh agus b' aithne dhomh

Thaobh athar agus màthar e ;

Cha ruig thu leas bhi smaointeachadh

Gur duine faoin an Gàidhlig mi;

Mholainn agus dh' aoirinn thu

Cho maith ri aon 's a' Ghàidhealtachd.

Am fear a ghoid na brèidean oirnn,
'S a rinn e fein dhiubh àilleagan ;
'Nuair dh' fhalbh e leis a bhrataich ud,
Ga taisbaineadh dha 'n Abharsair,
Chuir e suas ri crann i,
Agxis thog e cheann gu h-àrdanach;

'Nuair chaidh an rathad shealltuinn da,

B' e bheatha thall nuair ràinig e.

292 THB MACDONALD OOLLECTION OP OAELIC POBTBY.

DIMOLADH PIOB DHOMHNUILL BHAIN
Le lain MacCodrum, Bard MhicDhomhnuill.

A' CHAiNNT a thuirt lain
Gu'n d' labhair e ceàrr i,
'S 'eudar dhuinn àicheadh
'S a phàigheadh d' a chinn.
Dh' fhag e MacCruimein
Conduillidh is Tearlach ;
Is Domhnullan Bàn
A tharruing gu prìs.

Orm is beag mòran sgeig,

Agus bleid chòmhraidh,

Thu labhairt na h-urrad

'S nach b' urrainn thu chòmhdach,

Ach pilleadh gu stolda

Far 'n do thòisich thu dian.

An cual' thu cia 'n t-urram

An taobh-sa de Lunnain ?

Air na piobairean uile

B' e MacCruimein an rìgh; *

Le pongannan àluinn

A b' fhonn-mhoire fàilte,

Tharr'neadh 'an càileachd

Gu slàinte fear tinn.

Caismeachd bhinn 's i bras dian,

Ni tais is fiamh fhògradh,

Gaisg' agus cruadal,

Tha buaidh air an òinsich,

Muim' uasal nan Leòdach,

'Ga spreotadh le spìd.

A bhàirisgeach spòrsail
Bh' aig Tearlach 'ga pògadh,
An t-àilleagan ceòlmhor,
Is bòidhche guth cinn.

DIMOLADH PIOB DHOMHNUILL BHAIN. 293

Tha na Gàidheil cho deigheil
Air a mhànran aic' eisdeachd,
'S na bheil an Duneideann
De luchd Beurl' air a tì.

Breac nan dual 's neartmhor fuaim,

Bàs an ruaig nàmhaid,

Leis 'm bu cheòl leadurra,

Fead nan Spàinteach,

Luchd dheiseachan màduir

Bhi craidht' air droch dhiol.

'Nan cluinnt' ann am Muile ,

Mar dh' fhag thu Conduillidh,

Cha b' fhuilear leo d' fhuil

Bhi air mullach do chinn.

'S i bu ghreadanta dealachainn

Air deas-laimh na h-armachd ;

A breabadh nan garbh-phort,

Bu shearbh a dol sios.

Creach nach gann, sibh gun cheann,

Fo bhruid theann Sheòrais,

Luchd nam beul fiara

'G 'ur pianadh 's 'g ur fògradh ;

Rinn iad le fòirneart

Bhur còir a bhuin dibh.

Cha tug thu taing idir
Do bhriogardaich Thearlaich,
Mach o Fhear Bhàlaidh
Bhi ghnath air a thì ;
Mhol thu chorra ghliogach
Nach dligheadh de bhàids',
Ach deannan beag gràin,
No màm de dhroch shiol.

Sheid thu suas maoim gun ghruaim

Craobh nam buadh ceòlmhor,

Chuireadh fonn fo na creagan

Le breabadaich mheoirean;

'S nach fuilingeadh odròchain

A thogail a chinn !

294 THB MACDONALD COU.EeriON OF GAKLIO POBTBY.

Cha 'n fhaigh a' chuÌB-bhùirte
Talla 'm bi miiirn,
Ach àtha 'ga mhùchadh
Le dùdan 'b le sùith.
Cha bhi seathar aig Dòmhnull,
'S cha 'n eirich e còmhnard,
Ach suidh' air an t-sòrn
Agus sopag ri dhruim.

Plàigh bhloigh phort, gàir dhroch dhoe,

JPàileadh cuirp bhreòite,

Ceol tha cho sgreataidh

Ri sgreadail nan ròcais,

No iseanan òga

Bhiodh leòinte chin bìdh.

Nach gasda chuis-bhùirte,

A' bhi cneatraich air ìirlar,

Gun phrannadh air lùtha,

Gun siubhlaichean grinn ;

A' sparradh odraochain,

An earbal odròchain,

A' sparradh odròchain,

An tòn odrobhì.

Màl caol, cam, le thaosg rann,
Gaoth mar ghreann reòta,
Troimh na tuill fhiara,
Nach dionaich na meoirean;
'S nach tuigear air dòigh,
Ach oth-heoin is oth-hì!

Diiidhaidh nam fiiidhaidh,
Bha i aig Tubal Càin,
'Nuair sheinn e puirt Ghàidhlig,
'S a dh' àlaich e phiob.
Bha i tamull fo 'n uisge
'Ntiair dhruideadh an àirce,
Thachair gu 'n chnàrah i
Fo uisge 's fo ghaoith,

Thainig smug agus dus,

As na duis bhreòite,

lomadadh drochaid

'Ga stopadh na sgòrnan,

Dh' fhag i le crònan

Odròchain gun bhrìgh.

DIMOLADU^PIOB DHOMHNUIIjL BHAIN. 295

Blia i seal uair
Aig Maolruainidh O'Dornan,
Chuireadh nii-dhòigheil
Thar òrdugh na fuiun,
Bha i greis aig Mac Bheatruis
A sheiiineadh na dàin ;
'Nuair theirig a' chlàrsach
'S a dh' fhàiling a prìs.

Sheid Balàani na màl

Osna chnàmh chrionaidh,

Shearg i le tabhann

Seachd cathan nam fiantan,

'S i lagaich a chiad uair

Neart Dhiarmaid is Ghuill.

Turraraich an dòlais,

Bha greis aig lain Og dhi;

Chosg i 'ribheidean cònlaich

'Na chòmhnadh le ni :

Bha i còrr is seachd bliadhua

'Na h-atharais-bhialain

Aig Mac Eachainn 'ga riasladh,

Air Sliabh Chnocanlìn.

Am fhiiidhaidh shean nach duisg gean,

Gnùis nach glan còmhdach :

'S mairg dha 'm bu leannan

A chrannalach dhòinidh,

Chàite gràn eòrna

Leis na dh' fhòghnadh dhi ghaoith.

Mu 'n cuirear fo h-inneal
Corra bhinneach na glaodhaich,
'S inneadh air aodach
Na dh' fheumas i 'shnàth.
Cha bheag a' chiìis dèistinn
A bhi 'g èisdeachd a gaoirich ;
Dheanadh i aognaidh
An taobh a bhiodh blàth.

Riasladh phort, sgriachail dhos,

Fhir an droch shaothair,

Bheir i chiad eubha

'N am sèideadh a gaothair,

Mar ròmhan ba caoile

'S i faotainn a' bhàis.

2d6 THE MACDONALD COLLBCTION OF OAELIC POKTRT.

Bidh an ionnsramaid ghlagach
Air a liibadh au craicioun ;
Cha 'n fhuirich i 'n altan
Gun chearcaill 'g a tàth ;
'S seirbh i na 'n gabhann
Ri tabhann a chrtinluath,
Trùmpaid a dhìiisgeadh
Gach ùmhaidh fhuair bàe.

Mar chom geàrraich 'g a chràdh

'S am màl làn gaoithe;

Turraraich nach urrainn mi

Tiunnail dheth innseadh,

Ach rodain a sgiamhail

No sianail laoigh òig.

Com caithte na curra

Is tachdadh 'na muineal,

Meoir traiste gun fhuras

'Cur triullain nan dàn ;

'S tu dheanadh a bhròlaich

Ri solus an eòlain,

Ruidhle gun òrdugh

An comhnuidh air làr.

Aognaidh lom, gaoth troimh tholl,

Gaoir gun fhonn còmhraig,

A thaisicheadh cruadal,

'S a luathaicheadh stòldachd ;

Gu beachdail don-dòchais

Mu 'n t-sorn am bi ghràisg.

Bi'dh gaoth a' mhàil ghroid ud

Cur gaoir anns na dosaibh,

I daonan 'na trotan

Ri propadh " odrà."

Bi'dh seannsair caol crochta

Fo chaonaig aig ochdnar,

Sruth staonaig 'ga stopadh

Cur droch ceòl na thàmh.

Fuaim mar chlag fhuadach each,
Duan chur as f rithe ;
Cha 'n abair mi tuilleadh
Mu dhiomaladh phioban,
Ach leigidh mi 'chluinntinn
Gu'n d' thill mi Macphàil.

LEINB LACHDUNN RUAIRIDH RUAIDH. 297

LEINE LACHDUNN RUAIRIDH RUAIDH.

Leine lachduinn Ruairidh Ruaidh,
Gur mòr tha dhreach ua luatha orra ;
Leine lachdunn Ruairidh Ruaidh,
Gur olc an dress duin' uasail i.

'S iomadh tàire fhuair an leine,
Mu 'n d' fhuair esan riamh dha fhein i,
Dhomhsa b' aithne sud a steineadh,
Na 'n eireadh i shuas orm.

Bha i feumail 's an tigh-dhannsa,
Mu 'n do dh' fhag am fallus dall iad ;
'S lionmhor fear a thig a nall,
Gu lamh 's a cheann a shuadhadh innt'.

An cuala sibse 'n leine phòsaidh,
Rinneadh a dh' fhear a Chlann Domhnuill;
'S i bu ribeir air a bhòrd
Anns an tigh-òsda shuas againn.

Cha robh truinnseir, cha robh stòp ann,
Cha robh potea 'bha 's an t-seomar,
Nach do rìbigeadh le sgòd dhith,
'S am brògan a shuathadh innt'.

Mar tha 'n seann-fhacal ag radh,
Ma bhios bean-thorrach ri meirle,
Leanaidh rudaigin de nàdur,
Ris an àl thig uaithe-se.

A' fear a ghoid leine 'n t-seardsair,
Fhuair e cothrom air a mheirle,
'S cinnteach gu'n dh' fhoghlum e trath i,
'M broinn a mhathar uaireigin.

298 TIIK MACJK)NA1,I) COLl.KCnoN m (,.\i:i.ic I'OETBY.

OKAN AN TAILLEIR
Le Domhiiull Mac 'lUeathaiii, 's a Chainairt.

Emii: — 'S BOCHD duine mar tha mi,

CUeachd gach uile bhiadh làidir,
'S gun agam an dràsda
Ach buntàt' as a bhiirn.

Ise: — Tha mi sgìth dheth do ghlaigeal,
Is bi falbh anns a mhaduinn,
'S gheibh mi tàilleir a PeabuU
Bhios cho fada ri triuir.

Esan: — Ma 's e tàilleir na càbhruich,
A bha agad 's a Gheamhradh,
'S mi gu fuaigheadh an t-abhras
'S a cheann fo mo ghluinn.

Isc: — 'S tric a chuala mi 'n seangan,
Bhi 'cur braim as a ghearran ;
Fear t-eughmhais bhi bagairt
Air fear sealladh a shiìl.

An cuala no fac' thu
Mu 'n Dròbhair Mac Asguill ?
Thug e uanisa na seachd ud
Gu 'n aon rap air an cionn.

Esan: — Ged a bheireadh e ceud dhuit,
Gun a' faicinn gu siorruidh ;
'Nuair a theid e 'g am riaghladh
Bheir e biadh dhomh 'm bi svigh.

Ise: — Ach na bithinn-s' mar b' àbhaist,
Làn ìm' agus càise,
'S mi nach leigeadh le tàilleir
A bhi càineadh mo bhùird.

'S na bha agam a dh' annlan,
Dhith na gillean e 's t-Samhradh,
Mar ri dìlleachdain banntraich,
'S chuir iad ceann air a chùis.

OUAN LOUAIG. 299

ORAN LOEAIG.
Le Domhnull na Camairt.

Gu 'm b' e 'n turus gun bhuannachd,
So ghluais mi air a bho 'n de,
Dh' iarraidh mo chuid nollaig
'N dùil guu solairinn brògan.

Ghabh mi stigh gun fhiamh, gun nàire,
Gus 'n do ràinig mi Ath-Leodair;
Cò choinnich mi ach an Lothrag,
'S b' i ceann na mollachd air fògradh.

Bheannaich mi dhi 'n àrd-rathad,
Mar b' àbhaist dhomh 'n am fòirneart ;
Thuirt mi gu 'm bithinn 'na fàbhar
Gu bràth na fàgadh i beò mi.

Labhair ise, " Dh' fhalbh mo thàbhachd
Is mo làidireachd comhladh ;
Mhill am Bard Ruadh ann a Bhàlaidh,
'S Domhnull grannda Mac Neill Oig mi."

An sin 'nuair leum a ghiorag,

Cha robh duine na mo chòmhdhail,

Cha robh urad 'n am fhàbhar

'S gu'n robh tràigh ann gu tigh Dhomhnuill.

Cha leig sinn thu do na bàigh,
Is sinn 'g ar sàruchadh le bòcain,
Te cha diochd dhuinn Cailleach Thìllam
Bhi 'n ar cul-cinn an còmhnuidh.

Ise 'g am amharc le grùigeis
'S a dà shùil mar thrinnseir feòdair;
'S ged a gheibhinn fichead guinea
Cha dreagh minidh na mo thòin-sa !

300 THK MAODONALD OOLLKCTION OP QAMIAC POBTRT.

OKAN NA BA.
Le Aonghus Caimbeul, am Bard Sgallach.

O ! b' e spriolag a chuir na mo lion thu,
Chuireadh tu eagal air seisear nam fiannuis,
Diuidh na tàine gu faca mi ri.amh thu,
Sgrogag gun eireachdas, goireal na blianaich.

Dh' fhalbh mi air turus ara meadhoin a Gheamhraidh,
A dh' iarraidh mart tuaighe air uaislean gun ghanntar ;
Thug iad dhomh seis chuir gun cheist orm anntlachd,
Diuidh na tàine a bh' Fàdruig as t-Samhradh.

An topmaster gasda 'ga moUadh a mheall mi,

'G radh nach tilleadh i idir as t-Samhradh,

'S nach faigheadh Fear Shuardail airluachimuBhealtuinn,

'S i falbh air a glùinean ag ionnsachadh dannsa.

'S iomadh mart sgiobalta bh' eadar so 's Tolorum,
Ged a thug mise Nic Griogail a Borgh leam,
Cha chuir i fo ghillean bonn mire no foirme,
A draghadh a feithean, 's a geilligean monognach.

'S ann agad tha 'n amhaich a rachadh ro 'n fhàine,
losgaidean caola f o 'n chaoltrum is gràinnde ;
Do shlinnein 's do chruachan mar chruaidh air an ràsair,
Do thàinidh 's do bhòthan mar chòsan na fàsag.

Bu shuarach air Baron am bancanan lionmhor,
Ged dheanadh i tuiteam an glutaidh gun fhiachan,
Seach a toirt dhomhsa na feòlach am bliadhna,
Bheathachadh ghillean do 'n fhinne nach striochdadh.

'Nuair a dh' fhosgladh a bheist ud gu'm b'èitidh na com i,
Bha i oilteil ri faicinn, b' iad na h-asnaichean lom iad ;
Thuirt mi fhin ris na daoine nach slaod sibh gu poll i,
Mu 'm faicear a' màireach aig a grainndead bu donn i.

1A[N MAC 'IC FHIONGHAINN. 301

lAIN MAC 'IC FHIONGHAINN.

lain Mac 'ic Fhionghainn,

Fhuair e 'n t-urram air na bh' ann;

Dhannsadh e, leumadh e,

Dh' eireadh e, fhuair e 'n t-urram,

Shiutadh e, sheatadh e,

Fhuair e 'n t-urram air na bh' ann.

Theid thu as a' ruidhle,

Cho dìreach ri gin an Lunnain ;

Modhannan sgoil-dhannsa

Gun aimhreit a' tigh'nn a' d' cheann.

'S neo-sgrubail 's an tigh-sheinns' thu,
Gle fhaighneachdach air cloinn-nighean ;
Cha 'n fhoghnadh an stòp leat
Ach botul air sgornan a' d' laimh.

Bheir do leannan gaol dhuit,

Cha taobh i ri aon fhear tuilleadh ;

Beul ghabhail nan òran,

Gur bòidheach an guth tha d' cheann.

Drumeir agus fìdhleir thu,
Piobaire nam port cuimir,
Le d' fheadanan siubhlach
Tha tùchan do chiuil a' 'm cheann.

Saighdeir foinneamh, finealta,
Cruinn-chas a dhìreas am bruthach;
Marcaich an eich chruidhich,
'S a chuinleinean a' toirt srann.

O linn Banrigh'n Mairi,

'S am blàr a bha 'n Sliabh-an-t-Sioraim,

Cha 'n fhaca mi saighdeir,

A dh' fhaighnichte romhad thall.

302 THB MACDONALD OOLLBCTION OF GAELIC I'OBTKT.

Sgiobair air an fhairg' thu,
Na 's ainmeil' na aon dheth d' chinne;
Deas laimh air an stiuir thu,
Nach curamach am fear crom.

'N am reefadh 's a chaonnaig,
'S a h-aodach a chumail tioram;
Cha bhiodh tu a' d' bhall-toirmisg,
Gu'n glacadh tu 'n ailm ann a' d' laimh.

Coannard air an t-sluagh thu,

Gur luath thu gu dol a' d' uidheam;

'S ma thig oirnne cruadal,

Gu 'n gluais sinn gu dol do 'n Fhraing.

Faighnichidh Bony thu,
Faighnichidh O'Connel thu;
'S cha shaoilinn fein a dhonasain,
Gu fàsadh tu 'na d' chorran-crom .

ORAN NAN COILLEACH.

303

OEAN NAN COILLEACH.
Le Aonghus Og Mac-a-phearsain, am Beinabhaoghla.

Di-LUAiN is moch a dhùisgeadh,
An t-sùil a bha na 'm' cheann,
Le dithis air an ùrlar,
'S bu chùirt^asach an cainnt;
lad a seinn a chiuil dhuinn,
'S bu bhòidheach leam an greann,
Gur e thogadh sunnd orm
Bhi 'g innse 'n ùine bh' ann.

Bha 'n coilleach dubh mar fheucaig

Ag èigheach gu ro thràth ;

'S bha m' aigne anns an lèumnaich

Ag èisdeachd ri ghuth tlàth ;

'S beag ioghnadh thu bhi leòmach

'S ann ort tha 'n còta 's fearr,

'S do naipicin an òrdugh

Mar neòinein, buidhe, bàn.

Bha coilleach nan ciamh planntrach,

'S gach ball deth mar an t-òr ;

Goic air muineal cam aige,

'S e gamhlanach gu leòr;

'S tu gu 'n togadh ìnnsginn

Air duine tinn gu spòrs ;

Am fuaim a thig o' d' chìbhlean

Thog m' inntinn cho 'n mo bheòil.

Gu'n d' thuirt an coilleach ruadh rium,
'S e togail suas gu feum,
" 'S ann dhomh fhin bu dual
A bhi cruadalach, deaa, treun;
Gu 'n cuirinn fiughair bhuadhach,
Fo dhuin' o shuain gu feum;
A nuair a thogainn gruag orm
'S a bhuailinn mo dhà sgeith.

304 THB MACDONALD OOLLBCTION OF QABLIC POBTRT.

Tapadh leat a Dhomhnuill,

'S tu dh' òrduich dhomhsa ghibht,

Liuthad sgoileir òg

Le 'm bu deònach a thoirt leis,

Le 'm bu bhriatha 'n spòrs

Leis na dhòirte leis a dh' fhuil ;

'S mairg a bhuaileadh sgian ort

'Nuair a thuit an cliabh o'n chirc."

" Cha toir mise bh' uam thu,
'S tu buachaile mo chearc ;
'S onorach an cèil' thu,
Ort fein a dh' fhàs an tlachd;
Saoil sibh nach b' e 'n steud e,
Gu foinnidh, euchdach, bras;
Ged thachradh nighean an righ ris
Cha toir i chaoidh as feachd."

Bha 'n coilleach dubh gu spòrsail,
'S e tòiseachadh gu ciuin,
'Cur a ghuth an òrdugh
Gu freagairt comhladh dhùinn ;
" 'Nam bithinn leat 's an t-seòmar
Gu faighinn òr ga chionn,
Cha chualas riamh ni 's bòiche
'Non ceòl a sheinneas tu.

'Nuair theid thu na do chòmhdach,
Gu spòrsail air a bhlàr,
'S e 'n dath a th' air do chòta
Chuir mais' o 'd' shròin gu d' earr;
Tha lainnir uaine tòchdadh
'S an ian is bòidhche blàth;
Tha mòran itean cuachach
O t-earbull suas a fàs."

Cha toir mise tàmailt
Gu bràth do 'n choilleach dhearg ;
'S gun ort ach smachd na h-òige,
'S tu 'n oomhnuidh a fàs calm' ;
Tha thu gu taiceil, dùmhail,
Le d' chùl-spuir 's le d' dhà chalp ;
'S gun fitheach anns an dùthaich
Nach spùill thu — 's tu tha garg.

ORAN NAN COILLBACH. 305

'Nan cuirte tuigse nàduir
An ian an àit' air bith,
Gur anns a' choileach dhàicheil
A thog a chàil ri meas ;
A ni dhomh ceann na càrnaid,
'S gu h-àraid 'sguabadh tigh ;
'S a ghleidheadh am buntàta
Na b' àbhaist fhàgail ris.

Tha mi air mo phianadh,

'S nach mol mi trian de 'r gnàths;

Sguiridh rai dheth 'm bliadhna

Mu 'm bi mo sgeula cearr;

Eoin gun sgread, gun sgriachail,

Mar thogas fiannuis chàich,

Gu ballach, ruiteach, sgiamhach,

Gu loinneach, lionta, làn.

20

306 THE MACDONALD COLLECTION OF OAELIC POBTRT.

OExVN NA CLIATHLUAIDH.
Leis an Aonghus Og Cheudna.

Tha Aonghus Bàn gu muladach,
'S e 'n cunnart dhol 's an uaigh ;
Tha e 'n deigh tìichadh air
Ag ioudrainn na cleith luaidh ;
Gu bheil corn air maid' aige
Gun aon slat dheth luaidht' ;
Saoil nach b' aobhar smaointinn e
'S a ghaoth air tigh'nn a tuath.

'S i Mairi nighean Ailein so,
'Ghabh ri d' ghearain càs;
Thubhairt i riut gu carthannach
Thu dh' fhantuinn aig a bhlàs :
Thu dh' fhaighinn fiach do chosgais
O Challum Toisgeul cearr;
Ma labhair thu theid èirig air
Tha d' fheum air dol an drèibh.

Beannachd is buaidh-Iàrach,

Gu'n robh oirbhse Bhàilidh chòir,

O nach sibh is coireach

Ri aon deireas thainig oirnn ;

Gu bheil call no dhà ann,

Ge b' e thuigeadh fàth mo sgeòil ;

A chabhruich rinn mo mhàthair

A bhi 'n diugh aig càch 'ga h-òl.

Gur a h-iomadh dosgaidh

A chuir an rosad oirnn ;

Ged nach smaointich Callum air,

Gu'n d' cheannaich mi chuid clò;

'Nuair thug e chliath o'n àrd-dorus

'Ga cur na bhàt' air bòrd ;

Ph' fhalbh i, 's tha chead aice, bh' u»t,

'S cha 'n fhaic thu i ri d' bheò.

ORAN NA CLIATH UAIDH. 307

Ma 's a mise Callum,

'S tìm dhomh tarruing ris an tràigh;

Tha mo shuilean galach,

'S mi ri aithris mar a bha,

Chaill mi ball nach cearbach

Ris a chreig 'bha dearbhta sàs :

'S mise bha 's an aimlisg

'Nuair a fhuair mi laimhrig fàs.

Gu 'n ionndraineadh Diuca,

An diubhail a bha uam ;

Bàta làidir ìir a bh' ann,

Gun sgar no sùgh ri call ;

Cha d' lubadh 's cha do dhubhadh iad,

Bùird an Innsegall

A b' fhearr feum 's an dùthaich

Na 'n iurach a th' air chall.

Bu darach, dìreach, daingean,
Bha 'na saithean 's 'na cuid chluas,
Druim is fliuch-bhord bhit a bh' innt
Bu bhreagh a sgriob air chuan ;
Bu ghiuthas dearg Lochlannach
A corp mar chaidh e suas ;
Cha robh cron ri inns' orra
Gu'n d' fhuaradh innt' cliath-luaidh.

'S mise 'bha gu h-aimideach,

A carachadh Di-Lauin,

'Dol a dh' ionnsuidh baile leat

A tharruing na cliath-luaidh ;

Tha mi 'n deigh mo nàrachadh,

Is clòintean chàich gun luadh;

Ach Eobhainn, dean a dh' fhàbhar rium

Na ghabhas pàirt dheth uam.

Ged a gheibhinn dhachaidh e,
Gun bhreacag dheth bhi uam ;
Saoil nach diamhain dhomhsa sud,
Seach còmhnadh na cliath-luaidh ;
Biodh e ann no as agad,
Faic dhachaidh e bho luan,
Air a chliath gu sàbhailte,
'S gur fearr leam e na luach.

308 THB MACDONALD OOLLBCTION OP QABLIC POrTRT.

'Nuair a chuala mise sud,
Gun tug mi mach gu luath ;
Thog mi ri na h-oitrichean,
'S gu'n d' uochd mi ris a chuan ;
Tharruing mi mo phrospic
Gu bhi sealltuinn fada uam,
'S chunnacas aig a bhreabadair
Ball deas air tigh'nn a nuadh.

'Nuair ràinig mise 'n t-àilleagan,
'S an àit' na thàr i stad,
Gu 'n dh' aiseig na luathragain,
Dh' fhàg sud buaidh na beirt;
Gu'n robh cliath 's an t-Sìthein
Gus 'n do luaidh i mìle slat ;
'S ghreas iad cho na tràghad
A chur a bhàta mach.

'Nuair dh' fhalbh mi gu dol dhachaidh leat,
Gu'm b' aigionnach do cheum ;
Cha 'n fhaiceadh fear na fàire thu,
Gun stiuir, gun ràmh, gun bhrèid;
Sheachnadh tu na boghanan,
'S iad fodha h-uile ceum ;
Min iarradach air seòlaid i,
'S i 's eòlaich tha fo 'n ghrèin.

Tigh'nn timchioll air a ghuallainn,
Gu'n robh gaoth-a-tuath mu sròin,
'S bòidheach a fhuaras tu,
'S tu tigh'nn mu 'n cuairt 'ga d' dheòin;
Cha 'n aithnicht' barrachd luasgain orr'
Ri saoibhreas cruaidh seach bròn,
Marcachd nan tonn gruamach
'S i 's luaithe na na h-eòin.

'N cuala sibhse chomhairle,
Thug Sgeir-a-Chomhar oirnn?
" Fan a mach o'n earr agam,

'S e 's fearr na tigh'nn a' m' chòir;
Ruith air Sròn-na-Circe,
Far 'eil port nach bris thu bòrd,
Gu'n cuir thu chliath a shàruich thu
Do dh' ath Mhic Dhomhnuill Oig."

ORAN NA CLIATHLUAIDH. 309

Gu'n robh mòran ùprait ort,

Mu 'n chlèith 's nach b' fhiu i taing ;

Fhuair i barrachd ionnsachaidh,

A chionn i dhol air chall ;

Ach 's lughaide mo chiiram sud,

O'n fhuair mi toirt a nall :

Sud i air an ùrlar agad,

Cliath a mh... 's na br...

310 THS MAODONALD OOLLBOTION OP QASLIC POnHT

AOIR A RINNEADH le Piobaire Mor Dhruimear-
bfhinii air lagaii Beag a' Chotain bhàin,
Ministear dhe'n Eaglais Easbuigeach, a bha
comharraichte air son na geòcaireachd.

Bho 'n fhuair a Ministear Beag mac-làthaich,
Bho 'n fhuair a ministear am beathach grànnda ;
Bho 'n fhuair a ministear am beathach ì'ngach,
Gur mi tha cìnnteach gu 'n d' ith e shàth dheth.

An am na Faoiltich, 's na h-aimsir fhiadhaich,
'S an fhairg' air bhoil ie stoirm 's le dian-ghaoith ;
Gu 'n d' fhàg an làn air a' chladach shios ud,
Mac-làthaich iargalt', 's gu fior bu ghrànnd e.

Bha bhial cbo farsuinn 's gu 'n teachdadh cliabh ann,
'S mar bhioran stàiliun bha ràthan fhiacal,
'S nuair chaidh a thioundadh dbuiun air a chliathaich,
Ciod 'sgeith a bhial ach cìi riabhach Mairi !

Bha a bhèist cho mòr, cho tròm, 's cho dùmhail,
Air paidhir charbad 's ann dh' fheumt' a ghiulan,
Is dol ri bruthach bha spàirn is pùcadh,
Is fallus cùirneach air gniiis nan àrmunn.

'N sin leig iad sios aig an dorus chiìil e,

'S bha botul làn aig na fearaibh cùirteil,

'S an deigh an spàirn gu 'n d' òl iad drìithag

Dhe 'n tarruinn dhùbailt rinn Domh'll an Tàileir.

Feuch ! anns a mhaduinn, an deigh dha èiridh,
'S a fhuair e 'n fhaodail a bha dha feumail,
Ri bean-an-tighe gu 'n d' rinn e èigheach,
" Bi sgairteil, is greidh gu grad dhomh pàirt dheth."

'S e Eobhann Ciobair a bha 'na èiginn,

'Nuair dh' fheum e chutadh 's a chur o cheile;

Bha dheth droch fhàileadh a bha ro èitidh,

'S gur duine treubhach a dh' fhanadh laimh ris.

AOIR A BINNBADH. 311

Tha 'n t-iasg ud neòghlaii, ciia 'n itlieai" mìr dheth,

Bha e toirmisgte le Maois 's a Bhiobul,

Cha robh lann air, an àird' no 'n iosal,

Ach ballach, grìsfhionn mar a mhial-mhàgain.

Bho 'n bha 'n t-iasg neòghlan mu d' bhòrd 'ga riasladh,
Cha mheal thu 'n còta, 's ann bheirear dhiot e ;
'S fo ghlais a'm priosan no 'm brangas iarruinn,
Cha chluinnear lagan a leughadh Gàidhlig.

Cha d' fhuair do shearbhant aon chrioman riamh dheth,

Cha d' rinn an crèutair urrad 's fhiachainn ;

Ghabh thusa sgian dha gu lonach, ciocrach,

'S cha b' e rud crion dheth chaidh sios a' d' mhàileid.

Tha 'n t-am a nis dhomh a bhi comh-dhiìnadh,
Cha 'n 'eil stà ann 'bhi caitheamh ìiine ;
Ach guidheam slàinte nan gaisgeach lùthmhor
A chuir an t-ùruisg gu dhearbh bhràthair.

312 THB MACDONALD COLLECTION OP OABLIC POBTRT.

ORAN AN T-SAOIR.

Le Aonghus Mac-a-phearsain (MacChalluim'ic lain)
am Beinnabhaoghla.

Seisd: — 'S na ho hi horò,

Gur mis' tha fo mhulad,

Cha lèir dhomh le m' shùilean,

'Nuair dhùinear an uinneag;

Gun chomas air gluasad,

Ach cruadal 'ga fhulang,

Mi 'n diiil ri mo shlàinte,

'S gu'n d' fhàg i mi buileach.

B' e so geamhradh gun sòlas,
Thainig fòirneart 'nar caramh,
Gun lochdradh, gun sàbhadh,
Ach cràdh gar cur thairis ;
Tha cainnt Mhr. Seumas
'Gam theumadh a dh' aindeoin :
Mar sguir mi de 'n òl
Nach bi tròcair aig m' anam.

Tha mo bheans' air a marbhadh,

A falbh feadh an fhearainn,

A ceannach 's ag iarraidh,

Gach sion a bhiodh maith dhomh;

An deigh a pianadh

'S a riasladh le caithris ;

'S a dh' aindeoin a saothair

Tha 'n saor gu bhi thairis.

Chuir mi fios air an t-sagart

A th' aca 's an lochdar,

O'n tha e na dhotair

Gu socair rium f hiachainn ;

'Nuair thainig e nall

Bha mo cheann-sa san fhiabhrus,

'S ann thubhairt e, " Tha 'm bàs ort,

'S cha 'n fhàg e thu 'n di-chuimhn'."

ORJIN AN T-8A0IB. 313

Sagart an Uiridh,

Tha mi diumbach dheth 'n dràsta,

Chuir mi fios air gus m' eisdeachd,

'S ge b' fheumach cha d' thainig;

Mo pheacaidh 'nan tòrr,

Bha mi deònach an àirearah

'S mu 'n rachainn do 'n t-siorr'achd

Na fiachan a phàigheadh.

Siosalaich, Griogalaich,

Tric ga mo bhòtadh,

lad trom orm uile,

'S mi umhail gu leòr dhaibh ;

Air son siochaire botuil

A chosg 's an tigh-òsda,

'S mi fhin bhi 'g a chosnadh

Le locradh 's le gròbadh.

'S ma gheibh mi mo shiiilean
Bheir mi 'n ionnsuidh so fhathasd,
Mo bheannachd le dùrachd
Gu d' ionnsuidh a Bharraidh ;
Sar cheannard na clèire,
Nach leughadh a ghainne,
'S beag ioghnadh do threud
Gun dol ceum ann am mearachd.

Gur tric bhios mi smaointinn
Air na daoine nach mairionn,
A dh' òladh, 's a dh' iarraidh,
'S a riaraicheadh drama;
Ma tha iad 's an t-siorr'achd,
Is pian aig an anam,
'S e 'n obair nach fhiach
A bhi deanamh an drama,
Na idir ga òl !

314 THK MAODONALD OOLLBCTION OF OAKLIC POKTET.

ORAN NA MNATHA.
Leis an Ughdar Cheudna.

Air fàiU illirinn otho,

Hùg is othoro èile ;

Air fàill ìUirinn otho,

Hùg is othoro èile ;

Air fàill ìllirinn otho, .

Hùg is othoro èile ;

Ged a dh' òlainn-sa botul,

C'arson bbiodh sprochd ort mu dhèighinn ?

Ise: — Ged a dh' òladh tu beagan,
Cha b' e do dheifir e làthair;
Ach c'uim' nach oeannaiche' tu tea dhomh,
'Nuair bhithinn tinn 's gu'n mi m' shlàinte;
'S gu 'm bu mhaith mi gu fuaghal
Aig mnathan uaisl' anns gach àite;
'S an deigh gach cleachdadh a fhuair mi,
'S olc an duais dhomh mo chàineadh.

Esan: — 'S e sin am fasan a mhìl thu,
Bha fiosam fhin air do nàdur;
Coire 's teine 's e gaoirich,
Gun dad a smaointinn air àiteach ;
'S tric a cheannaich mi punnd dhuit,
'S an toirt ga d' ionnsuidh a dhà dhiubh;
'S a nis o'n theirig mo stòras,
'S ann tha thu deònach air m' fhàgail.

Ise: — 'Nuair a bha mi 'n am òige

Bha fir an còmhnuidh 'g am iarraidh,

Ged bha thusa cho ròideil

'Gani chur an dòchaa le breagan ;

Bha mi aimideach gòrach,

A' creidsinn glòir duine dhiamhain ;

An diugh is soilleir do sheòl dhomh,

Dh' fhàg an t-òl thu d' mhaol-ciarain.

ORAN NA MNATHA. 315

Esan: — Ma 's e falbh a th' air t' aire,

'S nach dean thu fantuinn air m' àruinn,

Ruig an t-à' 'eil Mr. Cailein,

'S dean do ghearau a màireach ;

Cuimhnich fan aig an fhirinn,

'S na bi ga 'm chìopadh a làthair ;

'S ged tha 'n dochair ga' d' bhuaireadh,

'S e fuireach buannachd a b' fhearr dhuit.

Ach saoil nach faighinn-sa 'n uair sin,

Te le buaile mhaith sprèidhe,

Ged tha thusa 'g am bhuaireadh,

Tha mi suarach mu 'd dhèighinn ;

'S ann a chuireas mi uam thu,

'S gheibh mi gruagach bhios spèiseil,

O nach faod mi bhi suas riut

Le trod mu thruaighe ! gun reusan.

316 THE MACDONALD COLLKCTION Or OAELIC rOITRT.

ORAN A BHATA DO 'M B'AINM
"STRUILEAG."

Leis an Ughdar Cheudna.

Dh' eibich mì 'a a' mhaduinn,
'S chaidh mi mach le sunnd,
Chunnaic mise 'm prize
Anns a ghàradh lom ;
" Struileag " air a càradh
'S i bhi slàn gun toll ;
'S ma gheibh mi mo shlàinte,
Cha bhi dàil aic' ann.

Bàta luchdmhor, tlachdmhor,
Acuinneach gu gniomh ;
Nach dean daoine dhochann,
lomradh socair, dian,
Raimh a ghiubhas Lochlann,
Locair air a liadh ;
'S i dionach mar bhotul
Am biodh cork na bheal.

'S tha i dionach, socair,

O toiseach gu sàil,

Kancan air a cliathaich,

Nach deach riamh an sàs;

Tha i air a dlùthadh

'Chor 's nach drùigh orr' sàl,

Giubhas a Lochiall

A ghabhadh sniomh gun spàirn.

Cha bhi bàta dòigheil,
'S còcaire ga dìth ;
'S ann bhios againn Domh'ull,
Oganach deas, grinn;
Gille cridheil, tapaidh,
Fhaisgeas na siuil chinn,
'S a bheir greis air stiiiireadh
Ged a rùisgte cruinn.

ORAN A BHATA DO 'm b'aINM " STRUILEAG." 31T

'S thug thu leat gu baile,
Do charaide fein,
Gu lochradh a daraich,
'S e gu sleamhuinn rèidh;
Tha i nise làidir
Aisigeach gu f eum :
Far a nall am botul,
'S luaithe deoch na sgeul.

Buill is stagh, is tarruing,

Cruinn nach lùb ri gaillionn
Racanan nach leum ;
Falmadair maith daraich,
'S e gu sleamhuinn rèidh;
Stiùir air chumadh camain,
'S aigionnach a ceum.

318 THB MAODONAIiD CXJLLBCTION OF OAELIC POBTRT.

MARBHRANN NIGHEAN DOMH'UILL OG
10 IGAIN.

'N CUALA sibhse mar thachair

Do 'n te dh' fhalbh air a phacaid mu 'n cuairt;

Gun deach a bàthadh, no tachdadh,

Am poll-mònadh a Bhaternis shuas;

Sgeula cràiteach ri eisdeachd

Gu'n d' èug i, 's gu'n dh' fhàs i cho cruaidh ;

Bha dà shiiil aig an fharspaig

Agus faoileag a cac air a cluais.

Tha do chàirdean fo mhi-ghean,

Nighean Domh'uill Oig 'dhol a dhìth, b' e sgeul cruaidh,

'Bhi 'n Cladh-Chòmhain 'na sìneadh,

An te dh' òladh an tea, 's cha b' ann fuar;

I fein 's Righ Lochlann nan cìsean,

Tòn ri tòn is iad sìnnte 's an uaigh !

Righ mòr, meamnach nam piosan,

Is Nic Igain shiobhalta, shuairc !

Sud an tòradh bha cosgail,

Bha maithibh 'cur mholt ann is ghiadh ;

H-uile h-aon fad' is farsuinn

'Triall ga ionnsuidh air astar le biadh;

Chuir a Bhantigheama Chatach,

Dusan ràcan is cearc thugainn ann,

Sgriobh i t-ainm agus t-fhasan

Air a chloich a bha 'n taice ri d' cheann.

'S e sud an tiotal a sgriobh i,
" 'S ann an so tha bhean shiobhalta, shuairc,
'S maith a dh' òladh i tea
Ged a tha i na sìneadh 's an uaigh ;
Gu 'm b' e suaicheantas cxnnteach
Cup' is sàsair, is pios, agus cuach,
Is Stuth-na-Tòiseachd 'bhi innte,
'S a phoit-tea 's an t-ìm 'thoirt a nuas."

MARBHRANN NIGHBAN DOMH'uILL OG IC IGAIN. 319

Cha 'n 'eil àit' anns na Hearradh,

Eadar sin agus Barraidh Mhic Neill,

Tigh-Iain-Ghròt ann an Gallaobh,

Nach do dh' fhalbh thu, a Mhaili air sgriob ;

Air fàithe cloimhe do " Shatshaig "

'S gun ròine de sheacaid mu dhruini :

Gille gòrach, bochd, falamh,

'S e gun eirbheirt, gun aithne, gun suim.

'Nuair a dh' fhalbh thu a Sealtuinn,

Bha do phlàt' air a calcadh gu teann ;

Ghabh thu braighe nam bailtean,

Feuch an tàra' tu phacaid na am ;

Bha thu làidir gu tarruing

'S " Dischearga " gu daingeann na d' laimh,

Gus an d' thainig an gaisgeach

Nach dean fàbhur ri neach a ta ann.

320 THE MACDONALD COLLKCnON OF OABLIC POBTRT.

ORAN AONGHUIS RUAIDH.

'S MiSE ta fo mhighean mu 'n ghille,

Leis an fheusaig ruaidh,

Tha nuas le f uaim do chithil ;

'S mise ta fo mhi-ghean mu 'n ghille.

Ged tha 'n t-side fìadhaich,
'S feudar falbh ga 'd iarraidh ;
'S cha 'n 'eil fhios o Dhia
'N e sliabh a ni thu tighinn !

Chunnacas air a bhò-raoir,
Do dhreag aig Cnoc-Sornain,
'S cha chluinntir an seòmar
Puaim do mheòir air fiodhuill.

Gur mise bhios cràiteach,

'S a' mhaduinn a màireach,

Ma gheibhear an sàs thu,

'S gun thu blàth 'g ad' ruigheadh.

Cuiridh sinn fios le Pàdruig,
Gu d' athair 's gu d' mhàthair,
Gun fuireach ri tràigh,
Ma 's urrainn bàta tighinn.

Cruinnichidh sinn iad còmhladh,
A dh' ionnsuidh do thòraidh,
Eobhann Maor gu òl,
'S Bean Thormaid Oig gu bruidhinn.

ORAN NAN BIRIONNACH AN QLASCHO. 321

OEAN NAN EmiONNACH AN GLASCHO.

Le Alastair Moireastan, a' Rucaidh, an
Uidhist-a-tuath.

Innsidh mise sgeula
Mu na h-Eirionnaich an dràsda dhuibh,
Cho fad' 's a ni mo leirsinn dhomh,
Gur creutairean mi-ghnàthaicht' iad ;
O'n thainig iad do 'n diìthaich so,
Gur beag tha chliù ri àireamh orr' ;
'S e 'n t-arm a bhios mar sgiath orra
Droch sgian anns am bi bearnachan.

'Nuair thig iad do 'n a' bhaile so

Bi ad is briogais bhàn orra ;

Bi 'n còtaichean cho fada

'S gu'm bi slat dheth fo 'na mhàs aca;

'Nuair theid iad do 'n tigh-òsda

Gu 'm bi stòp de 'n fhear as fearr aca ;

Bi Paddy agus Roger orr',

'S gach seorsa dh' aimn mi-ghnàthaichte.

Gu'n d' chuartaich iad an dùthaich so,
Cha 'n fhaighear grunnd 's an càirear iad,
Cha chluinntear ach 'nan trìiillich iad
A spìiilleadh cuid a' nàbuidhean ;
'S ged rachadh iad do 'n phriosan
Gu 'm bi 'n inntinn mar is àbhaist dhith ;
'S gur truagh nach ra'dh an ruaig orra
Do 'n chuan gu 'n ra'dh am bàthadh ann.

'S e daoine tha ro thruaillidh iad,
Tha 'n sluagh a deanamh tàir' orra ;
Cha chluinn thu anns gach tuairisgeul,
Ach fear an Cluaidh ga bhàthadh dhiubh ;
'S ged cheannaicheadh iad an t-aodach
Bi e daonnan anns a' 'phaun aca,
'S cha stad iad gus an òl iad e,
'S gu faic thu 'n tòn gun snàil' orra !

21

322 TWffi MACDON'ALD OOLLBCTION OP OAELIC POrTKT.

Cha chuideachd le daoin' uaisle iad,

'S cha chruaidh leotha ged bhàsaicheadh

Gach neach a tha 's an rioghachd dhiubh,

'S mi fhin a dheanadh gàire ris;

Gu 'm falbhainn agus taod agam

De ghaoisid an eich bhàin riutha ;

'S gun rachainn chum na fèille leo,

'S iad sud an sprèidh nach àrdaichear.

Ged bhitheas sinn' ga 'n eisgeadh,

Gur a feuinail dhuinn air uairibh iad,

Gu cairteadh nan dùn innearach,

'S gu cruinneachadh na luathadh dhuinn ;

'S maith gu glanadh shràidean iad,

Cha 'n fhàg iad fiu is buachar orr' ;

Tha 'n stamagan cho làidir

'S nach cuir fàileadh dad a bhruaillean orr'.

'S fheudar dhomh nis innse dhuibh
An inntinn a th' aig pàirt aca,
Ged bhiodh iad mar an sioda riut
Tha 'n inntinn cho droch nàdurrach ;
Ma tha thu na do Phròstanach
Cha sòradh iad an iàmhag ort,
'S na faigheadh iad an cùil thu,
Cha bu chùis dhuit a bhi sàbhailte.

Cha 'n 'eil àite 'n cuala sinn,

Nach cluinntear fuaim an cànalach,

Tha moran dhiubh 's au t-saighdeareachd,

'S tha roinn dhiubh auns a' Phàrlamaid;

Ged rachadh tu do 'n Eiphit

Gu bheil Eirionnaich 's an àite sin,

'S an Eachdraidh a Phrionnsa

Gu'n robh grunnd dhiubh leÌB gu'n bhàsaich e.

Cha bhi mi ris a chòrr dheth,
Ach bu tròcaireacli do dh' Alba nis,
Gu 'm biodh iad air am fògradh as
Gach Ròmanach tha falbh innte ;
Gu'n eireadh Grian na Fireantachd
Air inntinn luchd nan Garbh-chriochan,
'S cha bhiodh iad air an sàrachadh
Mar tha iad aig na falbhanaich.

BLAR HOQH. 323

BLAR HOGH.

Leis an Urramach Ruairidh MacDhomhnuill,
Ministeir Uidhist-a-deas.

Fonn — Dh' flialbh na gillean grinn
Fo 'n cuid armaibh,
Gur boidheach leam fhin
Thig an t-aodach dearg dhoibh.

An cuala sibhse 'n dràsda,

'N trod a bh' aig na h-àrmuinn,

Air an lolain-Aird

'Nuair theabas pàirt dhiubh mharbhadh.

Sud far an robh 'n iiprait

Nach robh riamh 's an dùthaich ;

Bha gach claidheamh rùisgt'

'Nuair chruinnich cùirt nan cailleachan.

Sud far an robh 'n iomairt,
Coslas Sliabh-an-t-Siorraim ;
Bha mi fhin an cunnai't
Nach urrainn dhomh sheannachas.

Dh' eirich na fìr mhòra
'Chur a chath an òrdugh;
'S mu 'n do sguir a chòmhstri
Gu 'n d' leònadh Mac Fhearghuis.

Thainig Mac-a-Bhànaich,

Ag iomachd gu stràiceil ;

'S nuair a dh' fhairtlich càch air

Thug e lamh air Fearchar.

Thainig fear na h-iìprait,
Marcaich air each siubhlach,
Fear le ceithir siiilean
'S bu diulnach gu dearbh e.

32i THB MACDONALD OOLLBCTION OF OABUC POBTBT.

'Nuair thòisìch an tuasaid,
Ghabh Mac-Phàdruig fuathas;
'S nuair sheall e mu 'n cuairt air
Bu ghruamach a mhalaidhean.

Cò sud thall is stìiic air !

'N cuala sibh a' bhuireich ?

Teichibh do na cìiilean

Mu 'n tionndaidh an tarbh ribh.

Ach 'nuair chunnacas Tearlach,
A nochdadh air fàire ;
Theich iad anns gach àite
Dh' iarraidh àite tearmaid.

Raonull Bàn nan duanag,

'S gamhainn glas air chluais aig',

Fiach co fear bu luaithe

Suas gu mullach Haracaidh.

Theich na Baolaich dhachaidh,
Surd orra ri astar ;
'S an còtaichean fada
Bas-bhiialadh mu 'n earbuill.

Fhuaras fear 'na shìneadh,
Bodach glas nan cìlean ;
Dh' fhàg iad anns an dìg e,
'S rinn mi fhin dha marbhrann.

Thainig bodach liath-ghlas,
'S pòc aig air gach sliosaid,
Agus peann de dh' iarunn
Gu cur sios na mharbhte.

TALACH. 326

TALADH.

Bà, bà, bà, mo leanabh,
Bà, mo leanabh, bà;
Bà, ho i o, mo leanabh,
Cha 'n 'eil thu ach bà.

Is iomadh oidhche fliuch is tioram,
Sìde nan seachd sian,
A chuir Griogal ormsa fasgadh,
A chumadh orm dion.

'S buidhe mhnathan òga 'bhaile,
Fhuair an cadal seimh ;
Mise so air bruaich do leapa
'Bualadh mo dha làmh.

Ged tha mi gun ùbhlan agam, ,

'S m' ùbhlan uil' aig càch,

'S ann tha m' ulaidh, cùbhraidh, caineal,

'S cìil a chinn ri làr.

Fheudail a dh' fhearaibh an domhain,
Dhòirt iad t' fhuil an de;
Chuir iad do cheann air stob daraich,
Tacan beag uam fein.

Dhìrich mi 'bheinn mhòr gun anail,
Mu 'n do ghlas an là,
Chuir mi gruag mo chinn ri talamh
'S craicionn mo dha làmh.

'S truagh nach robh m' athair 's an teasaich,
'S larl Adhull an laimh;
Griogal cridhe nam bas gealla
Eadar mo dha laìmh.

B' annsa 'bhi aig Griogal cridhe,
'G iomain chruidh 's a ghleann,
Na aig Baran crionda, gallach,
'S sioda dubh mu m' cheann.

S26 THB MÀCDONALD (X>LLECTION OF 6AELIC POETRT

TALADH.

Chuirinn fhin mo leanabli gu làr,
Mo leanabh gu làr, luo leanabh gu làr ;
Chuirinn fhin mo leanabh gu làr,
'S cha bhanaltrum dha mi fhin.

Chuirinn fhin mo ghamhna dheoghal,

Na gamhna dheoghal, ua gamhna dheoghal ;

Chuirinn fhin na gamhna dheoghal,

'S nach banachaig bleodhainn dhaibh mi.

Och ! mar tha mo chiochan làn,
M' achlais fàs, mo chiochan làn,
Och ! mar tha mo chiochan làn,
'S mo shiiil an deigh mo chìirachain.

Shiubhail mi bheinn o cheann gu ceann,
O bheann gu beann, o cheann gu ceann ;
Shiubhail mi bheinn o cheann gu ceann,
Ciod tha cha d' fhuair mi 'n cùrachan.

Fhuair mi lorg an fheidh 's a' bheinn,
An fheidh 's a bheinn, an fheidh 's a bheinn ;
Fhuair mi lorg an fheidh 's a bheinn,
Ciod tha cha d' fhuair mi 'n cùrachan.

Fhuair mi lorg a bhric air an allt,
A bhric air an allt, a bhric air an allt ;
Fhuair mi lorg a bhric air an allt,
Ciod tha cha d' fhuair mi 'n ciìrachan.

Fhuair mi lorg na h-eal' air an t-snàmh,

Na h-eal' air an t-snàmh, na h-eal' air an t-snàmh ;

Fhuair mi lorg na h-eal' air an t-snàmh;

'S cha d' fhuair mi lorg a chùrachain.

Fhuair mi lorg na bà 's a laoigh,
Na bà 's a laoigh, na bà 's a laoigh ;
Fhuair mi lorg na bà 's a laoigh,
Ciod tha cha d' fhuair mi 'n cìirachan.

TALADH. 327

Fhuair mi chas 's cha d' fhuair mi 'n ceann,
Tha mi sgìth a siubhal bheann ;
Fhuair mi chas 's cha d' fhuair mi 'n ceann,
Cha d' fhuair mi ceann mo chùrachain.

Tha bò mhaol dhonn a direadh bheann,
Tha bò mhaol dhonu a tearnadh bheann,
O thaobh a ghlinn gu bruaich nan allt,
Tha ise sgìth 's a laogh air chall.

328 THK MACDONALD OOLLBCTION OP QAELIC POKTRY.

TALADH.

Cha tig Mòr, mo bhean, dhachaidh,
Cha tig Mòr, mo bhean ghaoil ;
Cha tig màthair mo leanabh,
'S cha laidh i ri 'ra' thaobh.

Eisd ! a leanabh gu samhach,
Cuimhnich thusa mar tha ;
Tha do mhathair fo leacau,
'S tha m' achlais-sa fàs.

Tha 'n crodh anns an eadradh,
'S iad a freagairt nan laogh :
Tha mo Mhòr-sa 'n Dunbheagain,
'S cha fhreagair i 'n glaodh.

Ged a gheibhinns' air m' òrdugh,
Stoc is stòras an righ ;
B' annsa Mòr a thigh'nn dhachaidh
Gu laidhe ri 'm thaobh.

Fàsaidh bàrr air an iubhar,
Fàsaidh duilleach air craoibh ;
Fàsaidh fras air an luachair,
Ged nach d' fhuair mo bhean-s' aois.

Ged a dheanainn fhin posadh,
Mar bu chòir dhomh 'n a' d' dheigh ;
O cha togadh mo chridhe
Rì fidhioll nan teud.

LUINNEAG BHLBOGHAIN NA BANACHAIG. 329

LUINNEAG BHLEOGHAIN NA BANACHAIG.

C' àite 'n cualas, hò hò,
Geum bu chruaidhe, hò hò,
Na do gheum-sa, ho ho, bha-ho,
An druim-fhionn uasal, hò hò.

Na do gheumsa, hò hò,

An druimfhionn uasal, hò hò,

T' fhaotainn a' m' laimh, ho ho, bha-ho,

'S mi 'ga 'd' ruagadh, hò hò.

T' fhaotainn a' m' laimh, hò hò,
'S mi 'ga 'd' ruagadh, hò hò,
Sios 's a nios, ho ho, bha-ho,
Feadh na buaile, hò hò.

Sios 's a nios, hò hò,

Feadh na buaile, hò hò,

Is tusa 'g ionndrainn, ho ho, bha-ho,

Na bha bh' uamsa, hò hò.

Is tusa 'g ionndrainn, hò hò,

Na bha bh' uamsa, hò hò,

Cha 'n ioghnadh mise, ho ho, bha-ho,

'Bhi fo ghruaman, hò hò.

Cha 'n ioghnadh mise, hò hò,
'Bhi fo ghruaman, hò hò,
Cha mhàthair mise, ho ho, bha-ho,
Gun mo leanabh, hò hò.

Cha mhàthair mise, hò hò,
Gun mo leanabh, hò hò,
Bò air deasgach, ho ho, bha-ho,
Dh' fhalbh am bainne, hò hò.

330 THB MACDONALD OOLLBCTION OF OABLIC POBTRT.

Bò air deasgach, hò hò,

Dh' fhalbh ain bainne, hò hò,

Tha 'n tobar tràighte, ho ho, bha-ho,

Dh' fhalbh am fior-uisg', hò hò.

Tha 'u tobar tràighte, hò hò,
Dh' fhalbh am fior-uisg, hò hò,
Cha b' ann, a ghaoil, ho ho, bha-ho,
Ris na gillean, hò hò.

Cha b' ann, a ghaoii, hò hò,
Ris na gillean, hò hò,
Bhiodh tu mire, ho ho, bha-ho,
Ach ri m' ghruagaich, hò hò.

Cha b' ann ri gillean, hò hò,
Bhiodh tu mire, hò hò,
Ach ri m' ghruagaich, ho ho, bha-ho,
Ri m' gheal ghruagaich, hò hò.

ORAN 8ITHB. 331

ORAN SITHE.

O PHiUTHRAG olc, O phiuthrag !
'S mairg a dh' iiinseadh dhuit a' rùn;
'S mòr bu luaithe thigeadh sgeul,
Troimh do bheul na troimh do ghluinn.

Thug mo leannan dhomhsa cìr,
Thug e crios dhomh agus stìom,
Air son coinneamh dheanamh ris,
'M bun a phris mu 'n eireadh grian.

Chi mi mo thriuir bhràithrean donna,
Air na h-eachaibh loma, luath,
Saighead gu'n robh 'm bun an clèibh
'S fuil an crè a' sileadh uath'.

B' fhearr leam na uil' òr na cruinne,
No feudail an domhain gu lèir,
Thusa ghràidh thigh'nn o'n chnoc-uaine,
'Dol do 'n uaigneas 's sinn leinn fein.

Buaidh chnoc, buaidh gu moch ;
Buaidh gun lochd gu bràth bhi ort,
Luaidh-gheal o stuaigh eitidh,
Solus an là, aoibhneas is àdh, rèidh dhuit.

332 THE MACDONALD COUiKCTION OF OAXLIC POSTKT.

NA TRI EOIN CHRUINNE-GHEALA DHONN.

Na tri eoin chniinne-gheala dhonn,
Chruinne-gheala dhonn, chruiune-gheala dhonn ;
Na tri eoin chruinne-gheala dhonn,
'S b* iad sud na tri eoin.

Is dubh am fionn sin, 's dubh am fionn,
Chaidh mi butarscionn 's mo bheau ;
Ma their mise 's dubh am fitheach,
Their is' gu bheil am fitheach geal.

Tha bean agam mar an fheanntag,

Bean a's crainnte na tom druis ;

Bean is teodha na seachd teinntean,

Bean chruaidh, chrainntidh, mharbh i mis'.

Thogaiu tigh air làrach lom,
Chuirinu bonn ri maide cas,
Thigeadh ise 's car na ceann,
" 'S mairg a rachadh ann a steach."

Dheanainn treabhadh, dheanainn buain,
Dheanainn cruach mar fhear a chàch,
Theireadh i mar bha i beò,
Nach robh ann ach tòrr air làr.

Dheanainn iasgach leis an dorgh,
Mharbhainn langa, mharbhainn sgait ;
Chuireadh ise 'lamh na cliabh
'S dh' iarradh i sud thoirt do 'n chat.

Dheanainn cuman air fiodh cruaidh,
A shuidheadh gu buau air an làr ;
Chuireadh i h-anam an geall,
Gu 'n robh e 'call air a mhàs.

NA TRI BOIN CHRUINNB-GHBALA DHONN. 333

Teine 'ga fhadadh mu loch,
Gu tionnachadh cloich an cuan,
Comhairle 'g a toirt do mhnaoi bhuirb
Mar bhuil' ùird air iarrunn fuar.

Cha truimid an loch an lach,
Cha truimid an t-each a shrian,
Cha truimid a' chaor' a h-olann,
'S cha truimid a' choluinn ciall.

334 THB MACDONALD COLLBCTION OF OABLIC POKTRT.

ORAN NA BRATH.

Bràth, bràth, bleith, O, bràth, bràth, bleith,

Beil a chailleach a' bhràth,

Beil i mar is àill leinne.

Cha bheil, cha bheil, cha bheil, cha bheil,

Gu de 's feairrde mi sin?
Faoilteachd an aodaich, is càirdeas 'n ar maithibh,

Is 6 do bheatha-sa 'nam measg.

Gu de 's feairrde mi sin ?
Beil a chailleach a bhràth,
'S gheibh thu 'm bonnach brathan uam,
Cha mhor bàigh dheanainn ris,

Siigradh dha d' chàirein le blàth-bhain o'n bhanairaich,
'S cha b' e droch cheannachd a bhi ris.
Bràth, bràth, bleith, O, bràth, bràth, bleith,
Cha bheil, cha bheil, cha bheil, cha bheil.
Beil a chailleach a bhràth,
'S gheibh thu fear an tighe bh' uam.

Cò riamh a dheanadh sin ?
Siubhladh e 'n t-àrd dhuit,
'S cha bhi blàths air a mhalaidh riut,
'S cha Uxii thu smalanach mar ris.
Bràth, bràth, bleith, O, bràth, bràth, bleith,
Cha bheil, cha bheil, cha bheil, cha bheil.
Beil a chailleach a bhrà 's fear a tigh'nn 'ga'd iarraidh.

Gu de 'n t-aodach a th' air?
Lùireach is barlag is seann chraicionn brathain,
Is maide brathain air son claidheamh air a leas.
Bràth, bràth, bleith, O, bràth, bràth, bleith,
Beilidh mi gu diongant' i, gu diongant' i, gu diongant' i,

Chi mi fada bh' uam thu,

Mo luaidh ort 's mo rath,
Hem bò ruagamaid, hem bò hath,

'G amharc air a bhuar,

A ta cluainn air an t-srath.
Tha mo luran ort, a ghaoil,
Tha mo chuilein ort, a ghràidh,
Hem bò ruagamaid, hem bò hath.

ORAN NA BRATH. 335

Thogadh tu mo smùr dhiom,

'S tu mùirnein nam flath.

Tha sealladh aig mo shiìilean,

Thog eallach dhiom is dùiseal ;

'S tha m' aire nis air sùgradh

Le ciìirteir nam flath.

'S docha leam an dtibhradh

Na mo thriuir mhac,

Hem bò ruagamaid, hem bò hath.

Tha m' fhaireachadh air dùsgadh,

Cha chailleach ach bean iir mi ;

Mo ghean air aiseag lùis dhomh,

'S mo rùn air an t-srath.

Tha m' ulaidh air an fhiuran,

Na mullaichean a shiubhladh ;

Tha m' fhuil a deanamh ciuil dhomh

'S mo dhiul'ach 's an t-srath.

Gu'n leigin le mo chuailein,

'Bhi mire ri mo ghuaillean

A dannsa le mo luaidh

Chi mi uam air an t-srath.

Ag amharc air a' bhuar

Tha 'm fear-fearail, geanail, suairc',

Air a bheil a h-uile buaidh

Bhiodh air uasal no flàth.

336 THB MACDONALD OOLLBOTION OP QAILIC POBTBT.

CUMHA MHIC-AN-TOISICH.

OcH nan och ! leagadh thu,
Och nan och ! leagadh thu,
Och nan och ! leagadh thu,
'M bealach a ghàraidh.

Leag an t-each ceannfhionn thu,
Leag an t-each ceannfhionn thu,
Leag an t-each ceannfhionn thu,
'N ionad a ghàraidh.

Gur mise 'bhean-mhulaid,

A giulan a churraic ;

O'n a chuala gach duine

Gur ann 'na mhullach 'bha 'm fàbhar.

Is mi mhaigdean ro-dhubhach,
Nach faighnichear tuilleadh ;
O'n taca so 'n uiridh
'Nuair a chuireadh orm fàinne.

Is mis' tha gu tiìrsach,
'S tric snith' air mo shixilean,
'S mi 'g ionndrainn an fhiurain,
Marcaich iir nan steud àiuinn.

An leann a thog iad gu d' bhanais,
An leann a thog iad gu d' bhanais,
An leann a thog iad gu d' bhanais,
'S ann gu t-fhalairidh bha e.

Eoghainn Oig o'n tùr allail,
Anns an iiir ann am falach ;
Gur a mise bha gallach
'N am nan gallan a thràghadh.

CUMHA MHIOAN-TOISIOH. 337

Gur a mise bha deurach,
Tionndadh uchdan an t-sleibhe ;
Luidh smal air mo leirsinn,
'S trom mo cheum 's mi air t' fhàgail.

Gur a mise bha tùrsach,
'Nuair a chuir iad 's na bìiird thu ;
Thoir mo shoiridh le dùrachd,
Dh' ionnsuidh tùr nan clach àrda.

Cha robh cron ort ri fhaotainn,
'S mòr a mhais' a bha t' aodan ;
Cha 'n iarrainn dheth 'n t-saocrhal
Ach thu ghaoil a bhi làmh rium.

Cha teid mi gu banais,

Gu fèill no gu f aidhir ;

Gur ann toiseach an Earraich

Fhuair mi 'n saighead a chràidh mi.

Mo cheist air mo leannan,
Fiuran òg a chiìil chlannaich;
Gu'm bu chùraidh 'nan caineal,
Leam anail do bhràghad.

Dhannsadh tu còmhnard,
Nan seinneadh iad ceòl dhuit;
'S cha lùbadh tu 'm feòirnein
Fo shròin do bhròg àrda.

Bu shealgair an fheidh thu,
'S a bhuic bhinnich a leumadh,
A choilich dhuibh air bhàrr gèige;
'S gu'n reubt an t-eun bàn leat.

Tha mo cheist air do phiuthair,
Bean òg a chuil bhuidhe ;
Gur a maith thig dhuit ruthadh
Tigh'nn o shiubhal an fhàsaich.

Marcaich an eich leumnaich dhuibh,
Bharr-fhionn duibh, leumnaich dhuibh,
Marcaich an eich leumnaich dhuibh,
Leag an t-each bàn thu.

23

338 THB MACDONAU) OOLLECTION OF OABUO POKTRY.

'S truagh nach robh mis' an sin,
'S truagh nach robh mis' an sin,
'S truagh nach robh mis' an sin,
'S bheirinn air laimh ort.

Och ! ochan ! mo leiradh !
Nach do fhreagair thu 'n èibhe,
Bha thusa 'na d' eiginn
'S mi eudail teachd làmh riut.

Eoghainn Oig, leagadh thu,
Eoghainn Oig, thogadh thu,
Ochan, a laoigh ! leagadh thu,
*N eabar a ghàraidh.

RANNAN DO MHNAOI UASAIL. 339

RANNAN DO MHNAOI UASAIL, leis an
Easbuig Carsuel, Earrghael.

Treig t' uaisle 's na bi ruinn

A bhean an f huilt fhinn nan lub ;

Gur fiannuiseach sinn a ghnàth

Bhi ag ràdh gur uasal thu.

'S mtiinte dhuit a bhi nad thosd

A bhean an fhuilt chochulluich chruinn ;

Ma bha thusa shliochd Chairbre chais

Ta mise shliochd Art Mhic Cuinn.

Sliochd Bhriain Bhoirbh ma ta thu,
Taimse shliochd Neill nan naodh Ghiall;
Ge dubh leat do mhala chaol,
Is duibhe na sin lì an lòin.
Ge dearg leat do leaca thaobh,
'S leoir deirgead nan caora con ;
'S ge geal leat do bhràghad bàn,
'S geal an sneachda 's beag a luach.

Ta 'm buaghalan buidhe fàs
Ma 'g buidhe 'nan t-òr do ghruag ;
Ma 's e 's gu 'n cuireadh tu grèis
Sgriobhainn le peann geòigh gu luath ;
Ma 's e 's gu 'n gabhadh tu dàn,
Chuirinn le sgeul càch 'nan suain.

340 THB MACDONALD COLLECTION OF GASLIC POBTRT.

BIODH AN DEOCHS' AIR LAIMH MO RUIN.

BiODH an deoch-s' air laimh mo riiin,
Deoch-slàinte do Fhear an Tùir,
Biodh an deoch s' air laimh mo riun.

Leigidh mi as an t-seisreach,
'S am feasgar a leagadh driuchd.

Sguiridh mi threabhadh an fhiadhair,
Gus a fiadhaichear mi 'n Diin.

Dh' òlainn deoch-slainte mo thighearna,
'S tu gu riaraicheadh na crìiin.

Oladh no na òladh càch i,

Bidh mo chàirt-sa 'n ceann a bhìlird.

Oladh mi deoch-slàinte rithis
Air oighre dligheach Dhuntuilm.

Deoch-slàinte Dhomh'll Ghuirm Shleibhtich,
'S ceann-feadhna ro' d' mhuinntir thu.

Gur a h-e mo rùn an gasan

Chaidh air each 's a' chnocan chruinn.

Dhirich a mach guala Bhocaich,
Fhir as cleachdaiche gruag chùil.

Dh' fhalbh thu seachdain ro' Fheill-Brìde,
Dia na dhìdein dhuit 's gach ciiis.

Thig thu seachduin ro' Fheill-Padruig,
'S bìdh Dia làidir air do chiil.

Chaidh thu phòsadh a Dhuneidean,
Sheumais Oig 'ic Dhomh'U Ghuirm,

BIODH AN DEOCHS' AIR LAIMH MO RUIN. 341

Bi uigheau Mhic Leoid nam bratach,
Glac gheal a luhalairt uan crùu.

'S i Bantighearua Chaisteil-thioram
Craobh as iou'aiche 'bha dhiubh.

C' àit' 'u do shuidh i air a còta,
No a sgaoil i f oidhpe gùn ?

Aon a thug orr' bàrr an glaine
'N tùr, a maise is a miìirn.

Mo rùn air muime ua' macaibh,
Bhiodh 'ga 'u altrum air a gliiin.

Ach 'nan gabhadh iad an t-seòlaid,
Bu mhaith an còmhail a niill.

Bhiodh beanuachd uau daoine bochda,
'N ceann na drochaid air an cionu.

'S ogha mise do 'n aosdàna,
Bheaunaich au long bhàn air tiìs.

Bheannaich a càbla 's a h-acfhuinu,
A buill-bheirte, 's a cairt-iuil.

'S lionmhor orr' fear sgeithe gile
Togsaid a sileadh fo riìm.

'S ged uach 'eil gunnaichean againn,
'S iomadh clach dheth 'n tug sinn rìisg.

342 THE MACDONALD COLLKCTION OF GABHC POBTBT.

ORAN MULAID A PHKTOSANAICH AN DUN
RAONUILL, an Uidhist-a-deas.

Le Brian MacMhuirich,

'S BOCHD an naigheachd so

Rug oirnn thar chuan,

Mi claoidht' am bhallaibh,

'S mi tamull au iarrunn fuar.

A Righ nan gealladh !

Nach mealladh tu fèin an uair,

Is dioghail m' fhallus is m' fheannadh,

'S mo theannadh 's a bhreig so fhuair.

Mhic Mhuire na grèine !

Do 'n lèir uile gach cuis

A dh' fhulaing a chèusadh

'S a reubadh gu dliìth.

Airson siol Eubha,

Nach eisdeadh uile ri d' chùis ;

'S air son nam brèugan

'S nach lèir a dhuine cia thu.

Ma tha nàire nam cholainn
No ann am postaibh mo chuirp,
Liuthad greis fhuair m' aodann,
'S mi caochladh ro m' chuid ;
Fhir thug gairm air a choileach,
Bha air ghoil anns a' phoit,
O sholus do choinneil,
Measg coiir agus shlochd.

'S truagh nach mise bha Belfast,
, No ann an Achadachàr,

No ann am bun na Buasaidh,

Mu 'n gluaiseadh duine gu feachd ;

No ann an Carraigh larl Unndrum,

Far 'm bu dùchas dhomh stad ;

No ann an Coille Ghlinn-arm,

Far 'm bu dealbhach m' fhiurain air fad.

ORAN MULAID A PHRIOSANAICH AN DUNRAONUILL. 343

'S truagii nacli robh mis' air Cnoc-Leòit,

Far 'm bi cnò air a chrann,

No ann am bun na Banna,

Far nach b' ainneamh gun uaisl' bhi ann;

No ann an glacaibh Dhunacha,

Far an aigionnach uaisle ghall ;

No ann an lorachd fhir Chachainn

Far 'm bu mhaiseeich buaidh 's gach ball.

Mhic Dhomhnuill, Shir Seumas,
Ma bha agad reura b' e àidh,
Mu 'n tig deireadh an latha,
Chluinntear fhathasd mar tha ;
Moch 's a mhaduinn 's mi 'g èiridh,
'S nach leir dhomh mo stà,
Mhic Muire na grèine ;
Chi thu fèin mar a tha.

344 THK MACDONALD OOLLBCTION OF GABLIO POETBY.

UAIGH MHIC CALLDUINN— ORAN
lONNDKAINN.

Ged tha mise 'n so 'm chrùban,
Cha 'n 'eil sùgradh air m' aire.

Mi ri ionndrainn na gruagaich,
A dh' fhalbh uam o chionn tamuill,

Do 'n robh muineal, geal, lionta,
Sùil mhiogach, ghorm, mheallach.

'S truagh nach faicinn do chòmhail,
A togail ceò air na beannaibh.

'S mi gu 'n cuireadh a " Chromach,"
Ann an coinneamh mo leannain.

Gu 'n cuirinn am bàta,

'S sia raimh orr' ga sparradh.

Gun tugainn ruaig oidhche

Mach gu druim a chuain Chanaich.

Bhithinn oidhch' ann an Rònaidh,

'S an Caisteal-Ròchainn cha 'n fhanainn.

Bhithinn oidhch' air an Leideig,
'S cha taobhainn Leitir a bharraich.

Dh' fhàgainn m' eithear an Crodhlain,
'S dh' fhàgainn Eobhann 'ga h-aire.

" Gu 'm faicinn mo leannan,
A cheart aindeoin nam feara'.

AN EUCAG. 345

AN EUCAG.

Ceud soraidh do 'n eucaig,
'S i 'g eiridh na h-ònar j
Gu 'n tugainn cion falaich,
Do 'n ainnir is boidhche ;
'S i bean nan gruaidh daite,
Chuil bhachlagaich òrbhuidh,
D' an chamlubaich rasguidh,
Bhuidh chleachdaich na h-òighe.

Bhi 'g ad' amharc 's a' sgàthan,
Gu 'm b' àlluinn bean t' eugais;
O mhaldag nan suil ghorm,
Gur cliuiteach do bheusan;
Gheibhte sud aig an ribhinn,
Ceòl is milse na smeòrach ;
Moch mhaduinn 's i 'g èiridh,
Gu 'n èisdeadh na h-eòin ri.

Gur dosach, 's gur dualach,
Barr cuaiche na h-òighe,
Min shuil thar gach leannan
'S tu 'n ainnir is boidhche ;
Tha mais anns an eucaig,
Mar grèin 's i cur neòil di :
Rasg gorm fo d' chaol mhala,
Beul tana 's teud còmhnard.

A ta i gle stàtoil,

Gun àilghios, gun uamhar,

Gu bheil i gle dhàicheil,

'S i mo ghràdh nach tug fuath dhomh ;

Ged tha i binn gu malda grinn,

Meòir fo 'n grinn fuathal,

Basa bàn, rosga tlàth,

Do chorp mar bhàrr fuadain.

346 THK MACDONALD COLLECTION OF GAELIC POOTBT,

OEAN MU 'N UISGE-BHEATHA.

MocH 's mi 'g èiridh air bheag èislein
Maduinn Chèitein Dhòmhnuich,
Bha eoin an t-sleibhe gairm gu h-eutrom,

'S grian nan speur cur ròs dheth ;
'N tùs moch liihaduinn is nii m' eideadh,
Ghabh mi sios gu sràid na feille,
Choinnich na càirdean r'a cheile,
'S dh' fhalbh mi fein 'nan còmhdhail.

Dh' fhalbh mi fein is fear no dhà dhiubh

Ghabhail sràide còmhlath;
Smaointich sinn, 's an latha fuar,

Ruaig thoirt do 'n tigh òsda ;
Chunnaic mi fear gàireach ruadh
A tigh 'n a' nall le làn na cuaich ;
Bha glacadh lanih againn mu 'n cuairt
Le gloinne chruaidh 'ga pògadh.

Bha mi fhein a' f uirich balbh

'S mi togairt falbh ani ònar,
Eagal agam roimh 'n fhear gharg,

Is airgiod 'na mo phòcaid ;
Ach thuirt mi ged tha 'n leann ud searbh
Nach milleadh e mo chliu no m' ainm,
'S ged chosgainn crùn nach duisgte' m' fhearg,
O'n bha mi dearbht' am phòitear.

Sin 'nuair labhair ani fear liath,

'S e tarruing dhiomsa comhstri,

A smaointeachadh air cainnt nach b' fhiach,
'Ga cur an gniomh 's an òrdugh ;
" 'S iomadh àrmunn làidir trèun,

A chreach iiii tràth 's a dh' fhag mi 'crion,

A chuir mi failingeadh 'na chliabh,

'S a chuir mi chiall air fògradh."

ORAN MU 'n uisgb-bheatha. 347

Nach mairg a dh' iarradh spionnadh duirn
Air fear gun laimh, gun cheann, gun sìiil,
Gun sròn, gun bheul, gun bhian, gun riìsg,
Gun dad ach biiird mar chòmhdach."

" Bho 'n tha thu labhairt cho cas,

Thoir dhcmhsa beachd air t' eòlas,
Innis c' aite 'n d' rinn thu 'n gniomh,

An ear no 'n iar 's an Eorpa;
Ma tha thu gun bhaisteadh riamh,
Is t' ainm cho ceart 's tha t' fhacal fiar,
Innis t' eachdraidh mar is fhiach
'N do ghlac thu ciall as t' òige."

" De, ge tana leat mo ghnùis,
Gur iomadh Diuc bheir pòg dhomh,
Dh' fhiadhaicheas mi steach dha riìm,

'S a bheir dhomh cuirt na sheòmar;
Cha 'n 'eil righ, no oighre crùin,
No ceannard airm a falbh le trùp,
Nach bi 'gam ghairm le foirm 's le miiirn
Gu cur luchd ciuil an òrdugh.

Dh' innsinnse dhuit m' ainm gu beachd,

Ma tha thu teachd 'ga f heòrach ;
Tha mi shiol an t-silein ghlais,

An grainean 's pailt dhe 'n eorna,
Chuisle bhrioghor, bhrachan phailt,
Is fearr a chinnich riamh an gart,
Gur lionmhor aon a dh' fheuch a bhlas,
O'n fhuair e neart 's an Tòiseachd."

348 THB MACDONALD COLLBCTION OF OAELIO POETRT.

ORAN MU 'N EIDEADH GHAIDHEALACH.

Le Mrs Stevenson.

Thainig achd ro chruaidh oiruu
A uuas a Sasuiuu,
Muigheadh air ar u' èideadh,
Cha 'u 'eil e tlachdmhor ;
Ciod 6 chuir ua daoine
Guu airm ach bata,
Is nach d' thug iad caouuag
No aobhar bagraidh.

Theid e Latha Liuuasdal

Ann an cleachdadh,

Eideadh Chlann nan Gaidheal

A chur am fasan;

Fògradh agus priosau

Ma chithear ac' e ;

'S o chriiuadh Righ Fearghus

Bha 'u Alba breacau.

'S gur ueonach a' muigheadh e,

Ann an gradadh,

Ghiorrad 's o'n bha 'm Priounsa,

Gach diuc, is baran,

A' caitheamh au fheilidh,

Le sgeith 's le claidheamh,

'S uau do mhair an t-sreup ud

Bha feum air fathasd.

Bidh an ad ro lionmhor,
'S an cota farsuiuu ;
Diolaid agus bòtuun
Air seorsa gearrain ;
An t-òganach seolta,
O'u mhiìgh e earradh,
Cha toir maighdean pòg dha,
Cha deau i aithn' air.

OKAN MU 'n eidbadh qhaidhbalach. 349

Trùp as gach dùthaich
A dol air faidhir,
'S ainneamh a bhios cùirt
Aig na f earaibh tighe ;
Gun uidheam ach liiireach
A bha 's an fhasan,
Bheir na mnathau ciil riu,
Cha 'n fhiu leo 'n caidreamh.

Cha 'n eireachdas Dòmhnuich e

'Dol do 'n chlachan,

Casag odhar, ròineach,

Do 'n chlòlan lachdunn ;

Airtneulach ri giulan i,

'Dol air astar ;

'S iomadh duine còir,

Tha gun seol air marcachd.

Sud an sgeul tha tiìrsach,
Le iomadh fleasgach,
Nach faicear a ghlìiinean,
No bac na h-iosgaid ;
Osain fhada chuarain
'Gan cumail seasgair,
'S cota glas na lùids'
Air an cùl a cleideis.

Tha call aig an Righ ann,

Ma 's fiach mo bharail ;

Tha 'n cusmunn a dhith air,

Gun phrìs air dathan ;

Marsantan na rioghachd,

A caoidh gun aran ; ^

'S na measadh a chùirt e,

Thig miithadh fhathasd.

350 THE MACDONALD COLLBCTION OF GABLIC POETRT.

ORAN AN T-SAIGHDEm.

Tha mo bhreacan-s' fo 'n dìle,
Cha 'n fhaod mi innse mar tha e,
Tha mo bhreacan-sa fo 'n dìle.

Tha mo bhreachan-s' air a mhilleadh,
Aig na gillean anns a bhàta.

Tha mo bhreacan-sa fliuch, fuaraidh ;
Cha 'n fhaod mi chur suas a niàireach.

Tha mo bhreacan-sa fliuch, salach,
Cha 'n fhaod mi fantuinn ri fhàsgadh.

Tha mi màireach 'dol a sheòladh,
'S cha 'n ann gu m' eòlas air sàile.

'Dol a dh' eilein nan ian riabhach,
Far nach robh gin riamh a tàmhachd.

'Dol a dh' eilein nan ian fìadhaich,
Cha tainig gin riamh as sàbhailt.

Thoir mo shoiridh-sa 'Ghleann Urchaidh,
Dh' ionnsuidh nan tulchainnean àluinn.

Far am bi na fèidh 's an fhireach,
Bric air linne, fir a' mànran.

Far am bi nionagan bòidheach,
'G iomain bhò o dhorus àiridh.

Tha na h-ionagan an gruaim rium,
O'n la chuir mi suas a fàbhar.

O'n chuir mi suas am feileadh cuachach,
Claidheamh is crios guailne sgàrlaid.

Bonaid ghorm an fhichead sgillinn,
Slat a ribein ri mar fhàbhar.

ORÀN NA BANTRAICH. 351

ORAN NA BANTRAICH.

Hò roho hùg ò,
Falbh ò horò nàilibh.

GuR a mis' tha fo mhulad,
'S mi air tulaich na h-àiridh.

'S mi 'g amharc nan gillean,
Air an linnidh 'gam bàthadh.

'S mi 'g amharc na mara,
A' cur thairis a bhàta.

Mo thriuir bhràithrean ann 's m' athair,
Fear mo thighe 's e chràidh mi.

Bhi 'gan togail o'n tiura,

Far 'n do bhrùchd a' mur làn iad.

Bàs Aonghuis à Barraidh,
A sgar mi 's a chràidh mi.

'Bhi 'ga ghiulan aig fearaibh
Gu baile na tràghad.

Gu Eaglais na Trianaid,

Far an lionmhor do chàirdean.

Chuireadh leine dhe 'n anart,
Gun bhannadh mu d' bhraighe.

Ann an ciste chaoil chumhaing,
Air a dubhadh 's a tàirneadh.

Och nan och ! mar tha mise,
Bean gun mhisnich gu bràth mi.

Te gun mhac, gun fhear tighe,
Te gun aighear, gun slàinte.

352 THE MAODONALD COLLECTION OF QABLIC POBTKT.

Tha do thighean 'gan rùsgadh,
Feur 'gan cùmhdach 's a Chàrnaich.

Tha do chàirdean 'gam spùilleadh,
'S nach tionndaidh thu ghràidh rium.

'S ann air latha Fhèill-Brìde,
Fhuair mi 'n dinneir a chràidh mi.

Ged bu shùnntach dhomh 'n Nollaig,
Bu neo-thoilicht a' Chàisg dhomh.

Bi mi nis a triall romham,

'S cha ghabh comhaltan bàigh rium.

PAILTB DO 'n CHLBIR. 353

FAILTE DO 'N CHLEIK.
Le lain MacCodrum, Bard MhicDhomhnuiU.

Failt oirbh, failt oirbh, failt oirbh uile gu lèir,

Failt air na bheil ann uile,

Failt is furan air a' chlèir :

'S binn an t-àite bhi 'n'ur fochar

Far an cluinntear focal Dhè,

Dia 'g 'ur stiuireadh an deagh chomhairl'

Chum an gnothuch chur gu feum.

Ged a chaidh an t-athair seachad,

'S maith am mac a bhi na dhèigh :

Fhuair sibh trioblaid air ar sgàth,

'S fada sibh bho 'r n-àite fèin.

'S e ni duilich leam ri innse,

An droch shìde bhi 'n 'ur dèigh.

'N am dhuibh falbh le cliu 's le ciatamh,

Beannachd Dhe dhuibh far an tèid ;

Cha 'n fhaod mi fuireach ri moshion

'S eiginn dhomhsa dol na bheinn.

23

354 THE MACDONALD OOLLECTION OF OABUO POBTBT

RANN AIR BAS NEILL MHIC GHILLEA-
THAINN, Chearsabha.

Le lain MacCodrum, Bard MhicDhomhnuill.

A BHLiADHNA tii fichead 's a naoì,

'S gcirt a ghaoir a tha 's na bàigh ;

A fear mòr anns 'n do chinnich an ciall

Is e air triall bh' uainn leis a bhàs.

Dh' fhalbh thu bh' uainn a Mhr. Niall,

'S iomadh fear fiannuis bh' ort 'e gach càs;

Bu tu 'm breitheamh air a chùirt,

Fear dùthchadh 's an t-Samhradh chruaidh :

Fhir gun leth-trom, gun chainnt chìiil,

Cha bu tu 'n teanga leam is uam.

ORAN DI-MOIiAIDH DO " RUDDLE " AIRD-NA-MURCHAN. 355

ORAN DI-MOLAIDH DO ''RUDDLE"
AIED-NA-MURCHAN.

Seisd — Horo ollelo, oll il orro hi, etc, etc,

Cha mhor nach coma leam cogadh no sìth.

'S a' mhaduinn chiuin Chèitein
'S mi 'g èiridh gu gniòmh,
Bhiodh smeòrach air ghèig
'S i 'g a bheusadh gu diòn ;
B' e sud an ceòl èibhinn,
Ris an èireadh mo mhiann ;
Agus greis thoirt 'ga èisdeachd,
Mu 'n èireadh a ghrian.

'S ann a nis is beag m' fheum
Ged a dh' eireas mi moch,
Le m' chaib as mo lèine,
Dol a reubadh nan cnoc ;
Cha choisinn mi 'n dèirce
Dhomh fhèin no do 'n bhochd,
'S tri màil rium ag èigheach
Aig an eucorach olc

So chomhachag aosmhor
Tha 'n Creag-Aodainn so shios :
Tha i 'guidhe 's a' glaodhaich
" Droch sgaoileadh 'n 'ur gniomh."
Clann Chamshroin Strath-Lòchaidh
Thogadh sròl ris gach crann
Bheir an Ruidleach an t-òr
As am pòcaibh le cainnt.

Ged a dh' fhalbh ar cinn fheachda,,
Gur peacach an tùrn,
Ma leigear ar creachadh,
Fo mheachain a' chrùin,
Le maigh'stiribh tuatha;
Nach buainticheadh cliù,
' S le balach gun chèireadh
Nach èighear na dhiùc

356 THE MACDONALD OOLLBCTION OP GAELIO POETRT.

A OHALLUINN.

'S £ gillean mo rùin

A thogadh oirnn sùnnd ;

'S e so a bhliadhn' iir thog sòlas dhuinn.

'S e gillean mo rùin a thogadh oirnn sùnnd.

'S e gillean mo chridhe

A sheinneadh an fhidheall ;

B' e mìann na cloinn nighean bhi còmhlath ruibh.

'S e gillean mo chomuinn,

A thainig mu Challuinn,

Uo Lagan na Comraich 's mi m' ònar ann.

Air m' uilinn 's a' leabaidh,

An am dol a chadal,

Chuala mi Challuinn 's gu 'n chòrd i rium.

Chuala mi 'n duan

Bho bhriathran nam buadh,

Faidh botul a nuas dhe 'n Tòiseachd dhuinn,

Cuir a nuas bean an tighe,

'S gu faigheadh i naigheachd,

Gu 'n deanadh i aighear 's bu chòir dhi sin.

Bha iad ceatharnaich ann

Chuireadh cridh' am fear fann,

'S bha caman an laimh gach seòid aca.

'S e gillean mo ghràidh,

A thainig bho 'n bhlàr,

Le 'n cotaichean sgàrlaid 's bòidheach iad.

Bha fear dhiubh 's an Spàinn,

Am batal 's am blàr,

Gu 'n tainig e slàn, 's bu neonach e.

A OHALLUINN. 367

'Nuair ra'maid 'nar treud

Gu tigh Bhaile-Seun,

Bhiodh siol' againn 's dh' èibhte 'n t-òran leinn.

'S aighearrach mì,

Bho 'n rinneadh an t-sìth,

'S mo bheannachd do 'n rìgh thug fòrladh dhuibh.

'S ged bhithinn gu bràth,

Dol dh' iounsuidh ua sràid,

Cha 'n fhaic mi cho àillidh còmhlath ruibh.

'S ged bhithinn gun dàil

Dol dh' ionnsuidh a' bhàis,

Gu faighinn mo shlàinte còmhlath ruibh.

358 THB MACDONALD CXJLLBCTION OF QABLIC POBTRY.

ORAN NAN CALLUINNEAN.

Guu ann latha na bannaig

A thòisich a ghaillionn,

Gaoth-a-tuath le cruaidh earrainn

'Cur fuachd anns an talamh,

'S aobhar ghruamain do Fhear Chnocnamoua.

'S ann thft 'n tuath air au fhearauu,
Mar mheanglan a bharraich,
Gun a dhuilleach ri crauuaibh,
'S nach toir cèitein an Earraich
Air a crionaich gu falaich e còiueach.

'S ionau 8ud 's a bhi 'm baile,

Air bheagan de dh' fhearanu,

Am fodar air ghainn' oirnn,

O nach d' fhuair sinu au talamh,

Gu bheil coltas 'bhi falamh oirnn còmhladh.

Tha mo mhulad air tachairt,

Tha mo sgeul air a ghlasadh,

'S trom èisleineach ni' aigne,

Bho 'u thaiuig an gaiseadh,

'S gun mo chorran bhi 'n ghart a bhuaiuu eòrna.

Tha m' iolainn na fàsaich,
Tha mo chuile gun ghràn innt' ;
Cha 'u fhaic muileir mo phlàta,
'S ge b' e 's coireach ri m' fhàilling
Bidh air eagal an lathair na còrach.

'S biodh 'nr 'n eagal 'n 'ur cuimhue,

Far uach faigh sibh fear muinutir,

Far au eighear le trvimpaid

H-uile duine gu cìinntais

'S cha bhi gobhrag 'ga muigheadh air sròuaibh.

ORAN NAN CALLUINNBAN. 35^

Chunnaic mise le m' shùilean,

Na fir riamh a toirt cùl riut,

Mar gu 'n sguabadh a smùrach

O bheul mosgaid an fhùdair,

'S iad ag àileis gur diudhaidh do chòmhradh.

'S i so an Nollaig a leir mi,

'S a chuir maill' air mo lèirsinn,

Fuaim nan cliathan ri chèile,

'S gun mo challuig air sgeula,

Ach nan creideadh sibh fèin, tha mi brònach.

Le duain cheolmhor tha blasda,

Bheireadh fuasgladh air chlachaibh,

Cridh© 's cruaidhe 'na 'n caitein,

Aig am bi e ri sheachnadh,

Nach cumadh an cleachdadh, 's bu chòir e.

'S ann a dh' èirich an tartail,

'Dhroine gun aiceid,

Luaidhe laidir gun ghaiseadh,

Tharladh ri tachdsa,

Ann an àite nach tagairear còir air.

Ach a nàbuidhean gasda,

Leibh a dh' òlainn mo chreachan,

Leam bu deonach 'ur faicinn,

Cridheil, càirdeil, gun airceas,

Dhuibh a b' àbhaist bhi macnachas ceolmhor.

360 THE HACDONALD COLLBOTIOM OP OASUC POBTRT.

ORAN BAINNSE.
Le Domhnull na Camairt.

Choinnich mi Gilleasbuig,
Anns an fheasgar so bha ann,
'N duil gu faighinn fiadhachadh ;
Cha b' fhiach leis mo thoirt ann ;
Ach bha sinn uair dheth 'r saoghal
Bhiomaid aonfhillt' ann an cainnt;
Bho 'n fhuair thu bhi 'n a' d' thighearna
Chaidh crìdhealas air chall.

'8 ann bha bhanais eireachdail,
San eilein aca 'n raoir;
Bha biadh is annlan pailt aca,
Gun acras air am broinn,
Dh' fhag sud mi 'na m' ònar,
Cha robh còir agam air roinn ;
'S ann a tha mo dhaoine-sa
An taobh ud thall de 'n bheinn.

Cha bu duine miothar mi,

A dhiobradh daoine còir,

'S idir cha bu mhisde sibh

Na dh' ithinn aig a bhòrd ;

Cha 'n fhacas riamh 'na 'm' shìneadh mi,

'S mo dhìobhuirt fo mo shròin,

Ged dh' fhag sibh mi 's mo ghillean

Na 'r ceann inneidh air a chlò.

'Nuair ràinig mise Chàrnaich,
Cha robh 'n làn a tigh'nn a' 'm' chòir ;
Bha Raoghal is an gobha 'n sud
'S iad bodhar mu'n a bhòrd ;
Bheannaich mi le faiteachas,
'S mo bhata na mo dhòrn :
Thuirt a bhean gu fialaidh,
Teann a nios a dhuine chòir."

ORAN BAINNSE. 361

Dh* eirich i gu h-ealamh,

'S thug i glaine dhomh nam dhorn ;

O'n a bha mi falamh

Cha robh maill' orm 'ga h-òl :

Air slàinte na deagh chuideachd ud,

Tha 'n diugh a dol fo sheòl,

Le crann nach lìib an soirbheas,

'S deagh fhalmadair 'na dhòrn.

Dh' eirich i gu socair,
'S as a phoit gun tug i 'm bòrd ;
'S o nach deanainn fuireach
Thug i tunnag dhomh air spòig;
Dh' fhalbh mi air an turus sin
'S a mhuir agam mu 'n tòin;
'S nuair fhuair mi àite suidhe
Thug mi 'n t-sithionn far an eoin.

Dhomhnuill, gabh mo chomhairle,
Ciod e do ghnothuch ann ;
Canar riut mar ailis ort
Nach althne dhuit an t-am;
'Giulain do bh . . d mhuladaich
'S gun churac air a cheann;
Is tu falbh a màireach
Leis a bhàta cho 'n an fhaing.

'S iomadh fleasgach spàg-chasach

Chaidh sios air tràigh a nochd,

Air a bheil na gàgan

'S aig a bheil na sàilean gort;

'S nan tachradh gille Mhàrtuinn riuth'

'N am tàrladh dhaibh ri port,

'S eagal leam 'nuair ràinig iad

Gun tàirneadh e chuid chorc.

362 THB MAODONALD OOLLECTION OF OAELIC POBTBY

CAILIN DONN A CHUAILEIN REIDH.

A CHAiLiN duinn a chuailein reidh,
O hu, o hò, mar tha mi 'd' dheigh,
A ghruagach dhonn tha ris an spreidh,
O threig thu mi tha mulad orm.

A ghruagach dhonn a leadain bhòidhich,
'S e do ghaol a rinn mo leònadh;
'S gil' thu na sneachda na mòintich,
'Nuair is bòiche a chuirear e.

'Chailin duinn a chuailein bhòidhich,
Bha mi uair a bha mi 'n tòir ort;
Ach nan gealladh tu mo phòsadh,
Dheanainn seol air fuireach riut.

'Chailin duinn a chuailein riomhaich,
Shiubhlainn Alba leat is Ile ;
'S ged tha mi air bheagan sgriobhaidh
Rachainn sgriob do Lunainn leat.

Ma 's ann dhomhsa bha thu ainmeil,
Cha 'n ann dhomh a bha thu sealbhach,
Bu tric a bha mi 's tu seanachas,
Com nan cealg 's nan cuireadan.

'S gur e mise tha gu cianail,
H-uile latha f ad na bliadhna ;
'S mi ri cuimhneachadh do bhriathran
Gus 'n do liath a mulad mi.

Sguiridh gillean 'thigh'nn 'ga 'm' iarraidh,
Tha mi dol a phòsadh iasgair ;
B' fhearr leam sin na bhi 'ga m' phianadh
'M baile crion ri curaidheachd.

ORAN A BHOTUIL. 363

OEAN A BHOTUIL.

A BHEAN an tighe ghaoil an fhortain,
Aisig a nuas dhuinn am botul ;
Olaidh sinn gu sunndach deoch dheth,
'Chur na bochdainn as ar cuimhn'.

A bhean an tighe ghaoil an àidh riut,
Na biodh cùram ort mu phàigheadh ;
Mar a tachair e 's a laimh riut,
Gheibh thu seice bà 'san t-suim.

O thoir a nall a' botul,
He thoir a nall a' botul ;
'Nuair a thogadh e oirnn sogan,
'S e 'm botul a b' annsa leinn,

Bio'maid cridheil, bio'maid còirteil,
Labhradh gach aon mar is còir dha,
As a bheagan cinnichidh mòran,
Tuilleadh 'sa dh' fhoghnas a chaoidh.

'S maith an tochradh dreach na h-òige,
Pearsa dhìreach, gruaidhean bòidheach,
'S a bhi 'n càirdeas dhaoine còire,
Ged bhiodh i gun òr a chaoidh.

Anns a mhaduinn an am eiridh,
Chi mi dearrsadh dearg na greine ;
Do 'n tigh-sheinnse 's ann a theid sinn
'Ghabhail sgeula ciod ni sinn.

'S iomadh fine a ta beartach,
'S caonnag air an duine thapaidh,
Fear a chridhe fhialaidh fharsuinn
A th' aig mac an duine chrion.

'S beag mo ghnothach-sa gu àirìdh,
Choimhead air mo chuid greidh àluinn ;
Gun mhaoin agam dhiubh ach cnàmhan,
'S iad gu mhaoin, gun dàir, gun laoigh.

364 THB MACDONALD COLLBCTION OF OAELIC POBTRT.

OKAN UIDHISTEACH.

Hi uraibh i, hoireann, hoireann,

Hi uraibh i, hoireann à ;

Hi uraibh i, hùg is eile,

Leam a b' eibhinn t' fhaicinn slàn.

Mu 'n do dh' fhag thu tir do dhùchais,
Thug mi cion dhuit agus gradh ;
B' fhearr leam nach faca mi riamh thu,
Dh' fhag thu ann am chliabh am bàs.

Ged nach 'eil thu àrd o'n talamh,
Tha thu pearsant air an làr ;
Tha thu bòidheach, dìreach, dualach,
Mar an luachair suas a' fàs.

'S gil' thu na faoileag a chladaich,
'S gil' thu na 'n eal' air an t-snàmh ,:
'S gil' thu na cobhar na tuinne,
'Nuair a thilleas a mhuir-làn.

A' dìreadh beanntan na h-Earradh,
A cromadh le fearann mo ghràidh j
'S e fear òg tha tigh'nn fo 'm' aire,
'S gaol mo leannan-s' air dol bàs.

'Nam biodh agam coite bhiorach,
'S seisear ghillean air chul ràmh,
Rachainn a null thar na linne,
Fiach a bheil an gille slàn.

ORAN IRTEACH.

365

ORAN IRTEACH.

Mo ghaol òigeir a chuil duinn,
Dha 'n tug mi mo loinn 's mi òg ;
Dhùraiginn dhuit pòg 's an anamoch,
Ged bhiodh càch ga sheanachas oirnn.

Domhnull duallach Mac Ghilliosa,
Bha mi uair a bha mi stiith riut ;
'S o'n thainig an Tighearn a Ile
Sguiridh mi dheth d' bhrìodail bèoil.

Ged a gheibhinn do chuid uile,
Cha bhiodh ann ach ni gun bhuinig;
B' annsa giomanach a ghunna,
Bheireadh fuil air fear nan cròc.

Mo cheist air iasgair na h-amhuinn,
Cha tric a thainig thu falamh,
'S cha bu mhios thu 'm beinn a cheathaich,
Gu fear an langain a leòn.

Gur a mise 'th' air mo sgaradh,
Dìreadh 's a' teamadh a ghleannain,
'S mi ri cuimhneachadh mo leannain,
'S cha robh car an cainnt do bheòil.

'S gur a mise tha gu h-uallach,

O la thainig an duin' uasal,

*S do chuid ribinnean mu 'n cuairt dhomh,

'S cumaidh iad mo ghruag air dòigh.

Thog iad ormsa mar sgeula,
Gu 'n robh mo chriosan ag eiridh ;
Giulainidh mise sud eutrom,
O nach dean e eucoir oirnn.

366 THB MACDONALD COLLECTION OF OAKLIC POETRY.

Acb nam bithinnse cho finealt,

'8 gu 'n deanaìnn an line a sgriobhadh,

Chuirinn litir gu ruig Ile

Nach i 'n fhirinn chuir iad oirnn.

Sguiridh mi 'shugradh ri gillean,
Ged bu mhaith leam a bhi mire ;
O'n tha 'n Caimbeulach 'ga 'm' shireadh,
Cha teid mi tuilleadh nan còir.

DUANAG DO'n GHAOITH. 367

DUANAG DO'N GHAOITH.

Leis an Ollamh Mhoireastan.

'S i t' osna ro' chrannaibh

A bharraich, an t-seis,

A ghiulaineadh m' aire-sa

Thairis an cèin ;

'S a dh' uraicheadh meòrachadh

Aigne na h-òige,

'S na h-aimsirean sònruicht',

A thrèig, a thrèig.

O 's taitneach 's an t-Samhradh

Do mhall osag rèidh,

Ag iathadh mu 'n bhearradh

'S a' sanais mu 'n fheur ;

'S nuair thig thu troimh 'n àilean

'S an cinnich na blàthan,

Mar chungaidhean slàinte

Bi 'n àileadh fo d' sgèith.

Gur binne do chaithreim

Na aithris nan teud,

Air achadh an eorna

'S e òg anns an dèis ;

'S 6 'g aomadh fo d' anail

'Na ghlinn 's 'na mheallan,

A's luainiche faileas

Is lainnir ri grèin.

An aimsir an fhoghair
B' e roghainn gach gniomh,
Le gunna 's le gaothair
'Bhi faoghaid nam fiadh ;
'S 'bhi siubhal nad' chomhdhail
Feadh ghlaicean is chòmhnard,
Is liath-cheo do chòmhdaich
Gu h-oirdhearc mu 'n t-sliabh.

368 THE MACDONAIiD OOLLBCTION OF OAKLIC POBTRT.

'Nuair thuiteas an oidhche

Air beinn agus cluain,

'S bbios duin' agus ainmhidh

Gu balbh ann an suain ;

Bi' tusa le d' chlàrsaich

'S na doireachan fàsail,

'S gun fhreagradh dha d' mhànran

Ach gàireich a' chuain.

'Nuair thig thu le gaillionn
Bho bhealach nan àrd,
Bi' t' onfha 's na gleannan
Mar fharum a bhlàir;
Bi' ghiubhsach 's an darag
Ga lubadh ri talamh,
'S tu rùsgadh a bharraich
Mar chathadh bbo 'm bàrr.

'S tu 'n teachdaire gaisgeil
A marcachd bho 'n tuath,
'S tu 'giulan na gaillinn
Mar f halluinn do ghruaim ;
Bi' 'n cuan anns a bhùireich
Le clisgeadh do dhiumbaidh,
'S na sgòthan dubh-shiubhlach
'Gan sgiursadh fo d' sguaib.

Sud aimsir bu mhiann leam

Bhi 'g ianach a gheoidh,

No 'g iarraidh na muraig

Ri tuinne na cròic ;

Is caismeachd nan stuadhan

Toirt claisneachd nan cluas bhuam,

'S nach fhaicinn air fuaradh

Le duathar a cheò.

Mar reisimeid eachraidh

•Dol cas anns an ruaig,

No sruthan an reothairt

A fàgail a chuain ;

Tha seideag dhe 'd' anail

'S tu riaghladh nad' cheannard,

'S an iarmailt, air thalamh,

'S air bharraibh nau stuadh.

SBANN ORAN. 369

SEANN ORAN.

Dh' fhalbh m' inntinn, thriall mo cheanail,
Guileao- leam ge faoin neo-fhearail ;
Osna mo chinn bhriichd air m' anail,
'S cha chluinn lèigh mo chlèibh mo ghearain.

'S doirbh an smuain a th' air mo ghiulan,
Ann am aisling, ann am dhùsgadh,
Ciod 80 reub mo chridhe ciuirte ?
Cha 'n fhaobhar geur, 's cha bhuil ùird e.

Peathraichean mo ghaoil ag eisdeachd,
Ri nuallan nan tonnaibh beucach ;
Dh' fhag sud tric mo shiiilibh deurach,
Nach feud mi bhi siubhal rèidh leibh.

Dòirtidh aoibhneas orm le tioma,
'N tra thig òran o 'r ciuin bhilibh ;
Mar cho-sheirm gach ciuil is grinne,
Thig o chlèith nan teud is binne.

Ge binn, ceolmhor, eoin an t-slèibhe,
Seinn gun sgios air bhàrr nan geugan.
'S binne guth mo ghaoil ag èiridh
Ri taobh nan sruth ri la grèine.

Bhithinn ait le m' bhuidhinn ghaolaich,
Ann am badanaibh an aonaich ;
'S ged a thuiteadh stuirt an fhaoilich
Dh' eireadh mo chridhe le faoilteachd.

'S cruaidh an sgeul a ta mi seanachas,
Sòlas dluth 's nach faod mi leanmhuinn,
An eilein mu 'n iadh tuiltean feargach,
'S ceothail t' iarmailt, 's siochail t' aimsir.

24

370 THK MACDONALD COU.ECTI0N OF OAELIC POBTllT.

ORAN LE UIDHISTEACH AN AMERICA.

MuiNNTiR Uidhist 'rinn an eucoir
Uile gu leir nuair a ghluais iad,
Thug iad an cuid do Mhac Naoimhein
Gus an cur a thìr an f huachda ;
Cha 'n 'eil gnothach aig duin' aosd ann,
Duine faoin cha dean e buannachd,
Ach luchd airgid, 's gillean òga,
'S iad is dòcha deanamh suas ann.

Thug a' Muileach an car buileach,
As a h-uile gin a spùill e,
Bha e f o 'n aois bha air liathadh
Le bhriagan a tigh'nn do 'n dùthaich ;
Gur maith a dh' fhaodadh am Bàilidb
Fàbhur a dheanamh dhùinne ;
Mur biodh gun d' rinn iad suas ris
Gus ar fuadach as an dùthaich.

So an geamhradh a tha fada, '

'S fhada dh' fhairich mi am bliadhn' e,
Eadar Samhuinn agus Bealtuinn,
'S a h-uile rud gann ga iarraidh ;
'S e bhi cruinneachadh bhuntàta
Ni a shàruich mi *s a riaslaich ;
So an geamhradh a tha fada,
Dh' fhag e mi gu falamh, fiachach.

'S fhaide na sin fuachd na h-oidhche,
'N am ar sìneadh anns a leabaidh ;
Ciamar dh' fhaodas sinn 'bhi blàth ann,
'S coig troidhean a dh' àird a shneachd' ann ;
Cha dean aodach uachdair feum ann,
'S feudar eiridh cho 'n an teine :
Taobh mu seach, sinn fad na h-oidhche
6hi ga thionndadh ris an teallach.

ORAN LE UIDHISTEACH AN AMBRICA. 371

Fhuair mis' ann an toiseach còmhdaich,

Mòguisean a chur mu m' chasan ;

Cha 'n 'eil duine chuir orm eòlas

Nach bu mhaith an spòrs leis m' fhaicinn :

Casan raòra, fada pliathach,

'S iad 'gan riasladh feadh an t-sneachda,

Làn chloutan gaji cur sios annt',

'Gan druideadh le iallan craicinn.

372 THB MAODOMALD COLUICnON OF OABUO POBTBT.

SEANN ORAN.

Fhir a shiubhlas mu 'n cuairt,
Thoir an soiridh so uam thar chaol,
Gu bean an fhuilt dhuinn
'Nan tilleadh ì rium mar aol.

Bidh m' air' ort gach uair,

Le comunn tha buan, 's le gaol ;

'Nighean ciod e 'm fàth

'Nuair chuir thu mo ghràdh air chùl.

Gun chuimhn' air na bha,
'Nuair ghlac thu air laimh fear ùr ;
C'uim' a dh' iobair thu 'n gaol
A bh' agam mar aon is tu ?

Gur mairg a bheir spèis,

No gealladh 'na 'd' dheigh a chaoidh;

Mar caochail thu beus,

'Na d' fhaotainn cha teid mi 'n strìth.

Gu bheil ruthadh a' d' ghruaidh,
Mar ubhl' ga buainn air geig ;
Blas na meal' air do phòig,
Beul tairis nach deonaich breug.

'S e dh' àrduich do chliu,

Mar chàireadh cho dlùth do sheud ;

Ach Ard Righ nan Dùl !

Cha 'n àicheidhinn thu, mo lèigh.

Cha 'n 'eil e air lèigh,

Na leighis mo chreuchdan slàn,

Ach an gealladh o thùs,

'S an comunn as iir mar bha.

'S e briodail do bheòil,

Is t' fhaotainn, 'bhi pòsda, b' fhearr;

Mìle beannachd a' d' dheigh,

'S òg leannan dhomh fein thu, ghràidh.

SBANN ORAN. 873

Och, ochan, mo thruaigh' !
Mo ghaol 'bhi cho buan is tu ;
B' e m' aighear, 's mo mhiann,
'S a chomunn cheudn' 'bhi dhuit.

'S mairg a shamhluich mi fein,
Ri slaodaire breun de dh' fhear;
'Nan lìibadh tu leam,
Gun dùraigin suidh' 'nad' char.

Ma chuir thu rium cùl
Gu mu lughaid mo dhiu, 's mo chàil,
Na 'm b' fhear air deagh chliu,
A thigeadh as ìir 'n am àit'.

Na 'm b' òganach treun e,
Cheannsaicheadh streup na sbàirn,
Ach siigradh mo ghaoil
Aig breabadair maol nan spàl.

374 THB MACDONALD OOLLKCTION OF GAELIC POBTRT.

MARBHKANN CHAIPTIN FEAKGHUSTAN.
Le lain MacCodrum, Bard MhicDhomhnuiU.

Thainig naigheachd oirnn o'n lear,
Le gaoith an ear o Chuan-Sgìth ;
Na thill an naigheachd air ais,
Na thig an t-ath-sgeul a ris.

Caiptin Fearghustan 's a long,
Fo ainmein nan tonn gu dian ;
H-uile neach do 'n aobhar thìirs'
Bior na shùil gu ciìl a chinn.

Thuirt Ruaidhabhal le guth àrd,
Ma rinn e 'n tearnadh cho cas ;
Ma tha e 'm broinn muice no ròin,
Cha tig e mar lona as.

'S iomadh tìr 'n do thog e smùid,

Talla mùirneach chuir e dhìth ;

Gu 'm b' aotrom leam clach-mhuilinn mhòr

Mar acaire 'ga chumail shios.

An torc nimh' nach tugadh bàigh,
'Nochd a lamh an àr 's a murt;
'S ait leam claban do chinn mhaoil,
6a chagnadh fo chraos na muic.

Far an cuidhtichear an t-olc,
Ris gach droch dhuin' theid a null,
An tomhas stràic a thug thu uat
Gheibh thu 'n tomhas suas a nall.

'S aoibhinn leo 's an tìr ud thall,
O thug thu do cheann fo 'n mhuir ;
Gu'm b' eutrom leo Cruachan-beann
Fhaicinn na mheall air do mhuin.

MABBHRAKN CHAIPTIN FEARGHU8TAN. 375

Thuirt Ebhal mhor a cheò,
Cha b' e sin an sòlas leam ;
'S àirde t-eanraich na t-fheoil
0 la thòirleum thu 's a ghrùnnd.

Thuirt Teach-an-triubhais gu fiadhaich,
'Chrotach chrom nam fiadh 's nam molt,
'S buileach a dh' fhag thu do chiall,
'S fada do cheann liath ri olc.

Sin 'nuair thubhairt Lì-ro-dheas,
Eas'uidh ort ! a bhean gun chèil ;
Cha 'n 'eil aon bheinn air an t-saoghal
Bhios ga chaoineadh ach thu fèin.

Sin nuair a thuirt Beinn-Mhic-Mhuirich,
Cluinneam ga thuiream a nis thu ;
Cha 'n ionann caoineadh is càineadh,
Caoineadh iadsan 's càinidh mis' e.

'S ann shios ud a bha 'nan tamh
Luchd dheanamh nan dàn gu binn ;
'Nan sith-sheimh fhuair iad bàs,
Cha robh phlàigh ud ann ri 'n linn.

Gu 'm b' aithne dhomhsa Niall Mòr,
Domhnull Gearr, 's Niall còir, a mhac ;
O Dhomhnull eile gu Niall
D' 'ur fianntachd a ghabh mi tlachd.

376 THB MACDONALD OOLLBCTION OF OABLIC l'OKTRY.

BEANNACHDH TIGHE FIR BHAGHASDAIL.
Le lain MacCodrum, Bard MhicDhomhnuill.

Gu'm beannaicheadh Dia an tiir is àilue,
Gus an d' thàinig mi 'm beul oidhche,
Grearr o'n làrach an robh 'n t-àrmunn
Bu cheann-tànach ro' na h-aoidhean.

An robh 'n curaidh, an robh 'n gaisgeach,
An sàr chaiptin ro' na mìltean;
An robh 'n duine bu thearc samhuilt
Bha ri fhaighinn anns na criochan.

'S e sàr mhac mòr Mhic 'ic Ailein,
Fhuair an alla 's cha bu mhi-chliu ;
Cha bu diichanan thug cliu air,
Fada shiubh'lte feadh gach righeachd.

Dh' aindeoin na labhair iad uile,

Cha d' fhuair e 'n t-urram a b 'fhiach e.

Gu 'm beannaicheadh Dia an tùr allail,
Is glan sealladh, 's e tùr Chailein ;
Tiir is ainmeil feadh gach talmhuinn,
Tiìr air laimhxig Chaolas-Bharraidh.

'S e tùr nan cliar, an tùr fialaidh,
An tiir an riaraichear gun ghainne ;
An tùr ceolmhor am bi mhòrchuis,
Fion is beoir air bord gun cheannach.

Tiir an fhortain, cliuiteach, cosgail,
Am fag na daoine bochd am beannachd ;
Tiìr an t-sonais 's am bi 'n onoir,
Ge b'e mholadh e mar b' airidh.

BEANNACHDH TI6HE FIR BHAGHASDAIL. 377

'S àlviinn, eibhinn, dearrsadh grein air,
'N am blii 'g eiridh maduinn Earraich :
Sòlas inntinn fir na tìre,
Laindeir oidhche do luchd mara.

lonad reulaidh dh' fhear na eigin,
'N am bhi steidheachadh air calla ;
Ni 6 soillse mar an daoimean,
Solus coinnle 's uinneag ghloine.

Eo mhaith 'sgliatadh, ro mhaith aoladh,
Ro mhaith 'n t-saothair th' air a' bhalla;
'S ro mhaith 'ghiubhas air a dhlùthadh,
Air son ùirneis bheir e barrachd.

An tigh is fearr tha measg nan Gaidheal,
Cò 'n duin' ann is fearr na Cailein ?
Duine gasda, cneasda, diadhuidh,
Cliu dha iar-ogh', 's cliu dha sheanair.

An tigh 's an duin' a reir a cheile,
Mar fhuair Eamunn an t-each barr-fhionn ;
Gu 'n gleidheadh thu o neart nàmhaid,
O neart teine 's o neart mara.

Gun gleidheadh Dia 'm fear chuir suas e,
Saoghal buan san dualchas arroil,
E fein is a shliochd na dheigh
Dhol air adhart an deagh ghnothuch,
Sud mo roghainn.

378 THE HAODONALD COLLECTION OF GASLIC POBTRT.

ORAN ARRABHAIG.

La leathag O hò,
Mhairearad chridhe O hò,
La leathag O hò.

Nighean an Leòdaich O hò,

Falt buidhe, O hò, àc,

Dhath an òir ort,

'S cian a bhliadhna,

Leam o phòs thu,

'S mi 'nam shuidh'

Air Caolas Rònaidh,

M' aghaidh air Uidhist,

Nan eun mòra;

Thainig bleidean;

Bleideil bòsdail,

Le bhilibhet

Le spuir 's le bhòtain,

'S gu'n d' fhaighneachd e dhiom

Le chail chòmhraidh,

Ciod e b' fhasan

Do Chlann Dòmhnuill,

Dhomhsa b' aithne

Beus bu chòir dhoibh,

Fion ga leigeadh,

Beoir 'ga òl ac ;

An treas tarruing,

'Ga chur a stòpa.

Cha b' ionnan dhoibh

'S siol nan Leòdach,

Siol a' chapuill

Bbacaich spògaich,

Bheathaicheadh air

Moll is fòlach,

Air dudan dubh,

'S air gulam eòrna;

Air uisge bog

A phuill mhònaidh;

ORAN ARBABaAlG. 379

Cha ghoirear orr'
Ach " pruth sèoi,"
Taod mu 'n claigeann
'S goid mu 'n dòruaibh.

Freagairt — Thugaibh teicheadh
Phrasgain ghealtaich,
No 'n cuimhne leibh
Latha Ghleann- Shealtainn ;
Sheas sibh 'san fhraoch
Mar na cearcan,
Cha' sibh 's a' loch
Mar na lachain,
Chaidh sibh 's a' chuan
Mar na farspuig,
Co i 'n long
Tigh 'n stigh air eirthir ?

Ban Domhnullach — Do 'n buaidh ort
Lom-lan eilein,
Tha long Dhomhnuill
Ghuirm an eilein ;
Dh' fhag i 'n rudh ud
'S an rudh eile,
Chuir i bord

Far long Mhic Coinnich,
'S dh' fhag i long
Mhic Leoid air deireadh.
He la-le Hò e Hò,
He, &c.

Nic Leod — La leathag O hò,
Mar bitheadh
Mo chridhe dhiobradh,
'S mo ghuth lag
Air bheagan spideadh,
'S mi gu'n seinneadh
An tuireadh chinnteach,
Dha na fearaibh
An taobh shios dhiom,
An Dunbheagain
Nan long lionmhor

380 THB JfACDONALD COLUiCmON OF GABLIC POITBT.

'8 ann aig Kuairì
Tha long fhada
Theid a dh' Ile,
Theid a dh' Arrain;
Fir òg ag òl
Air a sarguinn.

ORAN MU BHREACAN. 381

ORAN MU BHREACAN an fheilidh a bhi air a
thoirt air ais do ua Gaidheil.

Fhuaras naigheachd, 's fhiach a labhairt,

'Nam bu mhaith am bard mi;
Dheanainn oran air Righ Deorsa

'S bheirinn moran taing dha;
Bho 'n thug e 'n oighreachd do na daoine

'S mor a thoill e 'n cairdeas,
Cuimhnichidh gu brath an cloinn e

'S bi iad caoimhneal dhasan.

Cha chuala mi riamh an seanachas

• Mar tha Alba 'n tràth-sa ;
Na bheil ann air fas cho dìleas,

Do 'n Righ ri aon bhràthair ;
'Nuair theid gach neach an eideadh ceart

Gu 'n cluinnear fad' an làmhach,
Mar lasair dhealanaich le farum,

Puaim nam fear le claimh'nean.

Thig Morair Armadail le armailt

' S garbh an tus a' bhlàir e ;
Thig Mac 'Ic Alasdair le farum

O Gharraidh nan sruth làidir ;
Thig Mac 'Ic Ailein oirbh a Muideart,

Dublaidh e na rancan ;
Thig Mac Dhughaill o Dhun Olla,

'S maith gu pronnadh chnàmh sibh.

Eirigh gaisgich thig o'n Cheapaich ;

Fir ladurna dhàna,
Mac 'Ic Raonuill 's a chuid dhaoine

Bhuineadh faobh 'g a naimhdean,
Stric a choisinn sibh buaidh làrach,

'S gach àit' am biodh ainneart,
Gu sgiath guineach ealamh ullamh,

Fuileachdach gu namhaid.

382 THB MACDONALD COLLBCTION OF GABLIC POBTBY.

Thig Clann Ghilleathain nall le claidheamh,

'S maith gu sgathadh cheann iad;
Is Clann Lachlainn na fir thapaidh,

Nach robh tais 's an aimhreit;
Thig Clann lain o Ghleann Comhann,

'S coimheach iad ri naimhdibh ;
Gu breac tapaidh leum mar ghaisgich,

Dar ghlacadh iad Spainnteach.

Eirigh Alasdair Diuc Gordon,

Le chonspuinnibh laidir;
An ceannard luath is fearr a chualas

Mu 'n cuairt ann an Alba ;
Dh' fhalbh thu roimh do dhaoine uaisle,

'S bu shuairc air an ceann thu,
Togaidh tu corr is coig mile

Ma thig strith an Alba.

Thig fir Lochiall leat 's garbh gu gniomh iad,

'Nam dol sios 's ua blàraibh,
Le brataich shailmnich, laidir, mheamnaich,

Fearr-ghleusach air naimhdean,
Thig Clann lonmhuinn bharr an t-Sratha,

Gun atha, gun naire,
Thig Mac Phadruig anns a' choinneamh,

'S feairde comunn chàich e.

Thig Mac Shimidh nall le chinneadh

Cha b' iongantach dhà sin ;
Fhuair e sòlas bho Righ Deòrsa,

Toiseach còir thoirt dhasan ;
Thig Clann Fhionnlaidh a Braigh Màr oirbh,

'S feairde sibh 's a champ iad ;
Thig Clann Ghriogair nall le misnich,

Sgiobalta fo 'n armaibh.

Thig fear Chluainidh le dhaoin' naisle,

'S maith gu bualadh lann iad,
Thighearn Ruan nall o'n Ghiubhsaich

'Nam dhusgadh na h-aimhreit;
Le 'n lannaibh cuil an laimh gach fiurain,

Ghearradh smuis is chnamhan ;
Thig Mac-an-Ab a nall le phrasgan,

Tartarach, gun chearb air.

ORAN MU BHRBACAN. 383

Tha sinn uile deonach, falbh le Deòrsa,

O'n a chòrd sinn aon uair ;
Ged a bha sinn greis ri gòraich

An toiseach na h-aimhreit,
O'n a gheall sinn a' bhi dileas,

Bi sinn cinnteach dhàsan ;
'S cha 'n 'eil neart^ anns an Roinn Eorpa,

A bheir comhraig là dhuinn.

Deas ar faicinn sios 's a bhatal

'N aghaidh neart na Frainge,
Cluinntear tartraich luchd nam breacan

'Sgathadh chas is cheann diubh ;
G«d a dh' eireas leis a Spainnteach,

'S na bheil thall am Flanras,
Cha teid a h-aon gu brath'ch dhiubh dhachaigh,

Le tapadh nan Gaidheal.

Ma thig fòimeart air Righ Deòrsa

Tha mi 'n dochas làidear,
'Nuair dh' eireas na Gaidheil còmhlath,

Gii 'm bi ooir an airde ;
Bi srol ri crannaibh fuaim nan lannaibh

Deannadh ris na Frangaich,
Cha 'n 'eil a dh' airm anns an Roinn Eorpa

Na bheir aodann dhaibhsan.

Bi piob is bratach suas gu spalpadh,

Buin chaismeachd nan Gaidheal ;
C'aite 'n d' fhuair iad riamh bonn maslaidh,

Luchd nam breacan sgarlaid ;
'Nuair theid iad uile 'nan armailt

Air gach namhaid th' aig an Righ
Gu 'n striochd iad sios gu shailibh,

Deoch slainte Mharcuis ghleidh na breacain

Chleachd bhi aig na Gaidheil,
Ged bhiodh sneachd ann 's mi air astar

Bhiodh mo phearsa sàbhailt ;
Ged thig an oidhch' orm anns an aonach

Bhithinn caoimhneil blàth ann,
Is 'nuair a dh' eirinn anns a' mhaduinn

B' aigeannach a' falbh mi.

384 THE UACDONALD COLLBCTION OF GABLIO POBTBT.

Guìdheam sòlae do Mhontros

Rinn e choir 's bha shannt air,
Gred a bha sinn treis fo airtneul

Caitheamh chasag Gallda ;
Ghleidh e dhuinn ar n-airin 's ar n-aodach,

Leumaidh sinn ni 's airde,
O'n a chuir sinn dhinn a bhriogais

Nach tigeadh ri 'r nadur.

Ma thig feum ort, airc no èiginn

'S feumail dhuit na Gaidheil
Le na lannaibh daingean du-ghorm,

Bhuaileadh smearail laidir;
Ghearradh chnuac 's a sgoltadh chluas,

'S a chur na ruaig na teann ruith,
Gu toil inntinn thoirt do 'n Mharcus,

Dia chur as d' a naimhdean.

Bi cota cath-dath 's peiteag thartain,

Teann mu phearsa Ghaidheil ;
Bi feileadh gasda de bhreacan maiseach,

Sud is dag bhall airgid ;
Claidheamh an crios air do chruachan,

Gu bualadh do namhaid,
Gunna 's biodag ort gu sgiobalt,

Co chuireadh ris a Ghaidheal?

DO MHAC DHOMHNUILL ILA. 386

DO MHAC DHOMHNUILL ILA,

Ard-f hlath Innsegall.

MoR in feym freggirt
Ni wyag hic fane sheacht
An drong gus in deggit
Go oyflach er gi laa
Nach za ne nairrad bead
Ga aywflych sheach gach fer
Owyle zar chur dwn
In dyflfris gwss a weg
Beggane di lonych ni
Wyagh slonensich dewf
Nor thiggit fir ny
Fyagh zyach chrwe
Beid gow mein cardol
Cayfynch mar is dlewe
As noar chuirrir ead
Er chardis caynach tug
Gawit meezan rewayn
Zarfy agis rwde
Cromid knoffyd a mallin
Mwn er mwn
Go braa noch cha charra
Kanghnaa sin na guth
Seygh ni waa raan weas
A nam agny tugga mee
Gai zolk a waddin noir
Is leyr na ga maa
Di neid erry ghrad
Go ra ghrad ree ny' raa
Cantir loo cho linn
Nac arrych ir dosk feyne
Ffeir gi sanbrearta
Dasky am bea speis
Racht ny' drocht charrit
Er astir hig in ganee
Errymsi in sen «r skw

25

386 THB MACDONALD COLLECTION OF QABLIO POETRT.

Nar is bo zna' wryde

Is di wear rwme zoyve

Lane no layve dim chwdch

Cannit rwmsi la zan

Gair ra mayn voge

Er in dail is mor

Ym bray huggi dute

Hean vc sawlla ag makaan

Noch chin nwle

Beggane di lonffa

Ni wyag slonffae maa

Mek e hwlych mc e

Ammych ead in gayn

Mek 6 woth caryth

Faa sawryt zeyris grayne

Mek e hirry* mek e hanty*

Ead gyt leyr

Tugfeid mna zeif zyag

Chearit orm fane sach

Gow tonoyt sancty*

Sheiryt hit gi banna

Gwn deillit essit

Eissur arri hacha

Wearre sheirry* na zaa

Heirryt laa mir nert

Agis gil weass

Fo hedyt din tress far

Agis innile di ne deyn

Dych er gi nach

Is mor awyd fygh cheirry*

Woyme lay gan

Di nead bagryt

Agus freichach gi' wei beg

Say anma bagra in daa

Herrach faa fedda

Tigfeit fyigh zeive

Re choggir drut gi dean

Ga heach is far hag in no

Bew see dir shead

Cinnis a zerris ay sin

Toesych keid a each

DO MHAC DHOMHNUILL TLA. 387

Mean leam zillissy*

Re wroskill comyn clayr

Gach each znissis ay

Re hottil zeyf mir weaa

Errir orm si halli

Heggisk haal nor dyi

ly tein each booysly

Zeachew di weit er zryeg

Beg nach fygh vek

Is aythir e mir sin

Creddi in nis a zantir

Aggin vimny sin

Ruggidir ar baa

Is er gabphil as ir dy

Is keal is farri aid

Ta aggin tryle ra gossi

Gow fynta coyc is f ar

Agcwng re dol er tosk

Gw tei oyne Vc Donil

Dawyt chorkis rynn

Zyg er in nar lymskir

Lawyc rachoyd synn

Gi nei* tuggomor gi

Strasta commo lynn

Ma say mc ayne in nolt

Aynvog zeikis rinn

Gai cart camm lat a rei

Barnis ny' narm nocht

Aytheig ni fyg nach

Dirnis a chur ort

Sweach mee er

A zalwoss a hort zawf

Did in wulterse mek

Earghis huggis cryif

Mintir dut ni fyag

Awfly a olt fear

A franguss sheachad shear

Canni ay red zanwss

Zerg zlyn is mach neaf

MÌTìtir miss zoyn og

Ame aggi weame <•

388 THB MACDONALD OOLLBCTION OF OABLIC POBTRT

Annit zwt o mhwrri

Gow monni dya za deiyn

Gomme tow zawis

In sollich dley eiak

Gin g' deikis kinda

Dirnit er a gann

Canny rwmsi in swle ghorm

San wog ag oil wann

Aytheikny fyag nach

Dirnis hekkir leamm

Dy zoywir woyme egi

Horlow na neiss far

Ni baa is na cappil

Di skeillis as di heyg

Mir a beg lat vome zeineach

Boo er o wow

Arrych slaywin sangwoir

Seiach er ri zryeg

Dearninsi neiss royag

Molta did znoyss ree

As tow is croy in gnees

Chrotda ca' fec mea

As tow is bugga wronna

Longa radha lynn feyn

As tow is f ar f aa toir

Is fa tynnows di clonn chlwnn

Noch cha wo ort na wske

Inlit di wossi chwrri

Ffar noynit is fir derk

Re imlit drwm er zrwn

As tow is croy ag cossnow

Teirri nach bee id telf

Bee id tyghe a re eillyc

Mor in feym.

UGHDAR DE 80 DBADHAN CHNOIDBART. 389

UGHDAE DE SO DEADHAN CHNOIDEART.

A CHiNN Diarmaid O'Chairbre,

Ge leòr d' airc agus d' thuaitheal ;

Cha mhòr leam meud do dhochair,

Ge ta thu crocht' ri cuaille ;

Cha truagh leam feadh ghruaig ghreannaich

Na gaoith' gleannaich 'ga srannadh ;

Cha truagh leam gad a' d' ghialaibh

A chinn Diarmaid O'Chairbre.

Mairg ! a smaoin bhi a'm bràghad,

Nach b'e nàmhad do chàirdeas.

Och ! is mairg nior shaoil teachdadh,

A chinn Diarmaid O'Chairbre.

Do mhilleadh leat Righ Ila,

Fear iomairt fhion' is airgid

Dha tè na drìlls' ùir iarnaidh,

A chinn Diarmaid O'Chairbre.

Righ Ila nan còrn cò-h-òil

A chuir onoir air chàirdean,

Mairg a chreuchd a chneas niamh-gheal,

A chinn Diarmaid O'Chairbre.

lonmhuinn leam a bhas mhòraicht'

A dhioladh òr no airgiod,

'S le 'm b' annsachd fleagh is fiadhach,

A chinn Diarmaid O'Chairbre.

larram air Righ nan ostal,

An ti fosglas latha pnàimh

D'a fhurt'adh feasd bho phianaibh,

A chinn Diarmaid O'Chairbre.

3y0 THB MACDONALD COLLECTION OF OAELIC POETBV.

BUAN AN LEUNSA AIR LETH CHUINN.

BuAN an leunsa air leth Chuinn,
Lomhnur dhuinn aig dortadh deur.
An bhas dar uorghaid do ghnath,
Och ! mo chradh as goirt an sgeul.

Och ! mo chradh as goirt an sgeul,
An sgeulsa as gear an ghreis,
Air ccrann cubhra air bhfiogradh aird,
Do bhem an bas fa sech leis.

Gach ndechadh dhinn as aille gne,

As fem meinn sas uaisle gniomh,

An sealgure as docha snuadh,

Gadaidh uainnma dol uaimh aigh chaul.

Conn Ceud-Chathach, Art, ia Nial,
Righag temhra dar ghell gach tir,
Do gadadh as lar na ceud,
Is gadaid gan bheig ler gadadh iad.

Ga attainic uaith a nuas,
Fedhna nar ghabh cuas re cleir,
Bileidh baraghlas fa liuire blath,
Aig so nait sni bfid fein.

Feuch leat cad rinne ane,

An cleasadh cle as dorcha delbha,

Ruaidhraidh ai air geig bhan,

Do ghad mur chach ar sluag na marbh.

No chreach dheigh ionadh anois go nuadh,
Caidremh na sluadh ai air gheg bhan,
Maisi rioghbhan as maighdin og,
Do cheanchadh oeol is deisdeadh dan.

Daltan fire fola Neill,
Sercgudh feine boinne deis,
An feidar go leigfadh cach,
A beth mur so alan leÌB.

BUAN AN LEUNSA AIR LETH CHUINN. 391

longnn go bfhedfàn an bas,
An pheist ghranna as gaibhtae gren,
An taibhse ciordhubh thecht go cron,
Fa, fioghradh trom a cuil tais.

As ionghnadh go bfedf adh an bas,
Ni meisda liom ana dha nis,
A bheul dubh ghonn as cairtadh gne,
Bheith ag uigh beilin tais.

As ionghnadh deadh an cruitin crom
A thaobh lom as dorcha gne,
San tasan cam air dat a daol,
Do uineadh uis air leabadh le.

As ionghnadh cionnas do fuair,
An stuaidh nimhe nach aluinn gne,
A bhanfhuil cham chrosach chlaon,
No chrop mhur dhaol do theannadh le.

An ionghnadh go bfheadfeadh an bas,
An cridhe cradh nach fuaire cloch,
Idir an do giiii mur gheis,
Go iuneadh se achaoiche achpan.

Cosmhuil acht giodh granda an tliadh,
Gur mor aspeis aceol sa greann,
Bhuime anoileamhna ar aon,
Taobh air thaobh is eisin thall.

An cealgaire crion crotach crom,
Struagh gan achom an mo ghlaic,
Ni sgarfadh caoidhche as mo laimh,
Go bhfaghainn mo ghradh ris air ais.

Rosg suamhnach sul ghorm saor,
lomnhon taobh fan leic a ta,
Gruadh lioghlan on dealrionn glan,
Do mhearaidh mo chiall leis na mna.

Ceol is caomhas is comhradh binn,

Cuisle ghrinn an tire thuath,

TJch linne ghiodh holc ata,

Le ai ar gheg bhan a nocht san uaigh.

392 THB MAODONALD OOLLBOTION OP GABLIO POITRY.

CLAESAIR MHIC DHOMHNUILL AN
EIRINN.

'S GUR mise tha brònaxih,
'S mi nam ònar an Eirinn.

'S mi tarruing na clàrsaich,
Le pràmh bhar nan geugan.

'S cha sheinn i dhomh òran,
Ach crònan 'g am lèireadh.

Ach cumha is crònan,

A toirt deòir air mo lèirsinn.

'S cha sheinn i oeol mu aighear,
No caithream nam feusdan.

'S ann a tha i a' caoineadh
Luchd gaoil a chaidh eug uainn.

An luchd gaoil tha 'nan sìneadh
'S a' chìll is nach èirich.

'S nach dùisgear le sòlas,
Le ceol bho a teudan.

'S nach dùisgear le dàn iad
Gu manran no èibhneas.

DI-MOLADH NAM BAN. 398

DI-MOLADH NAM BAN.

Chunnaic mise, 's cian o'n uair,
Bean fìor shuairc' a' triall le daoi;
B'e sud iomlanachd gun ghràs,
'S mairg a bheireadh gràdh do mhnaoi.

Bean is dà chridhe na cliabh,

Nar leig an Triath mi na dàil,

Cridhe rium ri comhradh ciìiin,

'S cridh' eil' air mo chùl 'g am chràdh.

Mar fhadadh teine fo loch,
Mar chogar ri cloich an cuan,
Comhairl' a thoirt air mnaoi bhuirb,
Mar bhuiir iàird air iarunn fuar.

Ach 'nam faiceadh sibh an daor,
Na sheasamh ri taobh air làr ;
Mar ghreim air eascainn air sruth
Geill a thoirt do ghuth nam mnà.

'S iomlan leam aignidh nam mnaoi,
Bidh iad mar sin gu bràth buan ;
Di-Dònuich ged d' robh i 'd' reir,
Ni i d' threigsinn air Di-Luain.

Ach ma chi i miann a sìil,
Oigeir iìr a' tigh'nn o'n tràigh ;
Cha bu ruith leath' sud ach leum,
Cha 'n 'eil fèile air na mnài.

'Nuair a dh' fhàsaicheas do nead,
Thig an t-snàg o'n aird-an-iar;
Fuadaichidh i 'n druid san t-sliabh,
Maj- nach fhacas i riamh 's a' chrann.

'S mise 'n druid o'n innidh fhuair,
'S gur e 'n duin' ud shuas an t-snàg ;
'S i 'n innidh bean a chuil duinn,
Cha mhisde leam ge do thuig.

394 THB MACDONALD COLLBCTION OF GABLIC POETRY.

Tuigibh gur a mise 'n t-ian,
Aig a bheil fios inntinn na mnà ;
Ged nach labhram ri le m' bheul,
'S ann aice fein tha fios mar tha.

Bu leat m' airgiod, bu leat m' òr,
Bu leat mo shiod' 's mo shròl gu tiugh,
A bhean a tholl mo chridh' le gaol
Cha'n amhairc i orm ach faoin an diugh.

Thachair ainnir orm 's an dùn,
Anns an diin tha siar fo dheas ;
Labhair i rium le comhradh borb
Gu'n robh mi 'm chorra ghiollan glaa.

'S glas an claidheamh tha 's an truaill,
'S glas an tuagh ata sa chois ;
Ma bhios am f aobhar tana geur,
Cha mhisd' a ghne dad bhi glas.

COMUNK NAN GAIDHBAL. 395

COMUNN NAN GAIDHEAL,

An diugh aig Drochaid-a-Blianna,
Tha srannraich nam bratach sioda ;
Gaidheil a tional gu tart'rach
Ri àrd-chaismeachd na pioba ;
An fhuil nam pòran air mhire,
Mar bu dual dith bhi bho 'n sinnsir :
Na fir mhòra, chròdha, làidir,
Anns an àraich riamh nach pìllte.

Tha Gaidheil na h-Alba gu h-uaibhreach
An diugh a' gluasad gu streupa,
'S a' seasamh ri 'n taobh gu gaisgeil
Tha Gaidheil ghasda na h-Eirionn ;
Thoinn iad an cluaran 's an t-seamarag,
'S thoinn na Cuimrich leo an lèicis ;
'S tha Clann nan Gaidheal mar bu dualach,
An diugh an guaillibh a cheile.

Tha fuil nan gaisgeach air mhire,
'S iad a sireadh chum na h-àrfhaich,
A chogadh gun fhoill gun ainneart
Ris na naimhdean a thug tàir' dhaibh ;
Cogadh gun bhuillean, gun tuasaid,
Gun fhiidar, gun luaith', gun stàilinn;
Cha taimgear claidheamh a truaill leo,
'S cha chluinnear fuaim an cuid làmhaich.

Ach cluinnear àrd-ghuth nam mac geala,

Am briathran fearail, calma,

Guthan a labhras gu dìleas,

An aobhar na firinn dhearbhta ;

A togail an t-slogain uaibhrich,

A chleachd bhi aig na h-uaislean meanmnach :

Tròcair o'n làidir do 'n laigse

'S ceart an aghaidh neart 's gach aimsir.

396 THB MACDONAID CX)LLBCTION OP QABUO POBTBT.

Gu mu beannaicht' a' chomneainli,

'S an deachaidh a thoinneamh le cheile,

Cluaran uaisle na h-Alba,

Is seamrag ainmeil na h-Eirionn ;

'S an do thoinn na Cuimrich mheanmnach,

Le lamhan calma na lèicis ;

'S ma sheasas an triuir ud còmhladh,

Cò an còmhlan chuireae èis orr' ?

ORAN NAN LOTAICHKAN. 397

OEAN NAN LOTAICHEAN.

Le Domhnull MacRuairidh (Maclain 'ic Aonghuis,,

Tolorum.

B' e so an dùtliaicli chianail,

Tha luchd riaghlaidh tuilleadh 's mòr innte,

H-uile fear na dheannaibh dhiubh,

Is eallach aige 'n còmhnuidh dhuinn ;

Cha bhean iad fein le mearan dha,

Ach iarraidh iad gu mòrchuiseach

An sac a chur mu 'd' mhuineal :

Dean a chumail oir neo fògrar thu.

Tha 'n Geamhradh nis air tighinn,

'S bidh mi 'm' shuidhe treis an comhlanan,

Cha chluinn mi dad a bhruithinn

Ach an suidheachadh, 's e 's còmhradh dhaibh,

A Shàbaid is de sheachdain

'S 6 bhios acasan mar stòireanan,

Ciamar nithear gàradh

Ann an àite gun aon dòirneag ann.

Cha chluinn mi guth air diadhaireachd,

Am bliadhna chaidh a fògradh uainn,

Le mheud 's a tha do riaghailtean

A nios o Bhean a Ghòrdanaich ;

Tha lotaichean gan gearradh,

'S theid am fearann chur an ordugh dhaibh ;

Bidh iomadh fear a gearain

'S gu 'm bi eallach air gu leor a<;a.

Bidh tighean breagha, geal, aca,
'S cha seilisdeir is còmhdach dhaibh ;
Ach sgliat a thig da 'n ionnsuidh-san
Air cunntais Bean a Ghòrdanaich ;
Theid liosan chur mu 'n cuairt orra,
Chluinntear fuaim aig eoin annta ;
Bidh craobhan ubhl' a fàs annta,
'S buntàta, 's càl, is greòsaidean.

398 THB MACDONALD COLLECTION OF OABLIC POBTBT.

Nach mòr an t-aobhar smaointinn

Do sheann daoin' a dh' fhalbh an treòir asda,

Bhi teannadh ris na gàrachan,

'S ri pàirceanan 'cur feòir annta;

Ged gheibhinn aois Mhetusela,

Cha dean i chuis, bidh còrr aca,

Bidh eallach ìir 'ga theannachadh

Gu daingean mu 'n an sgòrnan orr'.

Ma theid an tuath a chùmhlachadh,

Cha bhi duil ri beo-shlaint' ac' ;

Ma nithear cruitean iira dhaibh,

Theid cuid co dhiu dhiubh fhògairt asd' ;

Am fear a gheibhear lapach dhiubh

Bidh smachd aig luchd an stòrais air,

Bidh esan fo na casan ac'

Gun neach a nochdas tròcair dha.

Tha bàilidh agus maoir againn,

'S cha 'n 'eil a h-aon diubh tròcaireach ;

Cha tagair iad ar cùisean,

Ach ar sgiursadh, sud a chòrdadh riuth' ;

Cha chluinn mi guth de riaghailt

Ach ag iarraidh f hiach an còmhnuidh oirnn ;

'S bu mhaith a màl na cìsean

Air an tìr gun dad a chòrr bhi ann.

'S mith'ch a nis da 'n tuathcheathairn,

Bhi gluasad as an clò-chadal,

Le piocaid air an gualainn

'Dol do'n chuarry, 's aobhar bhròin dhaibh sud ;

Bidh siumpairean 'ga 'n geurachadh,

Is mòran feum air ordairean ;

Bidh fùdar gorm na lasair,

'S theid na clachan 'chur nan òirnean leis.

'S am fear tha freasdal phàisdean,
Gu 'm bi sàruchadh an comhnuidh aig ;
Cha bhuail a bhean an lamh-ord dha,
'S cha tig a nàbuidh còmhla' ris ;

ORAN KAN LOTAICHBAN. 399

Bidh esan 's e na riaslaiche,

'S a h-uile sian a òrdugh aig ;

'S ann theid cus do 'n t-siorr'achd,

Leis a mhiapadh a gheibh mòran dhiubh.

Cha 'n 'eil clach 's an dùthaich,

Tha mi 'n dùil' nach teid a chòcaireachd,

Mu 'n deanar gàradh ùr

A chur 'sa chtiis a tha air òrduchadh ;

Bidh ceithir troidhean 'dh' àird annta

Mu 'n càirichear an còp orra,

'S mur a dean iad passigeadh,

Gu 'n cartar as do 'n mhòintich sinn.

Ach bheirinn comhairl' chàirdeil,

Air na h-ann 's an àite dh' òganaich,

An cùl a chur gu h-ealamh,

Ris an talamh nach toir beo-shlaint dhaibh,

'S a dhol a null do Shrallia,

Tha f earann aig a Ghòbherment ;

'S an uair ni sibh a cheannach

Gheibh sibh bannan fhad is beò sibh air.

Nach seall sibh cor na tìre,
Bha ur sinnsir greis a còmhnuidh innt' ;
Tha sibh an diugh na 'r diobaraich,
'S cha d' fhàg iad dìleab mhòr agaibh,
Cho cinnteach 's 'tha mi 'g innse dhuibh,
Bidh gach ni mar dh' òrduicheadh :
Nach cluinn sibh fàisneachd Choinnich,
Gur e 's deireadh dha so geòidh 'bhi ann.

400 THB MACDONALD OOLLBCriON OF GAJELIC POBTRT.

ORAN A BHATA AIR CUAN-AN-IAR
UIDHIST.

Le Aonghus Caimbeul, am Bard Sgallach.

Cha b' e sgeul' an t-sòlais e,

Dha m' mhnaoi phòsda 's dha mo phàisdean,

Mi dhol a chuan nam biorach,

Theab nach tillinn ged a thainig mi ;

Le dà ràmh gun chraicionn

Cha bu ghlagairean a dh' fhàilingeadh,

Na bheireadh a mach rudha :

Bha sinn subhach nuair a ràinig sinn.

'lllean nach b' e bòcan e,
'Nuair thòisich e ri eiridh oirnn ;
Tigh'nn a steach air a taobh-toisich,
Toirt copan mu na sleisnean aic' ;
Gu 'n cumamaid a cliathaich ris,
Fhad 's a mhaireas iall ri cheile dhith :
Am fear bhios air an stiuir againn,
Bu mhaith an ciiis na h-eigin e.

Labhair Domhnull Og gu spracail,
" Bithibh tapaidh, fuasgailteach,

B' fhearr leam gu 'm faicinn an dràst,
A ghàir a th' air na stuaghanan ;
Bheirinn ruith dhith agus gleidheadh
Is eithear a ni buannachd i ;
Dh' fhàg na saoir gu làidir, treun, i,
Gur geur a dh' ionnsuidh fuaraidh i."

Dh' òrduich am Breabadair Bàn,
A h-uile snàile 'n aodach thoirt dhith,
Còta 's bata Dhomhnuill Oig,
Chur air dòigh na faodamaid ;

ORAN A BHATA AIR CUAN-AN-IAB UIDHI8T. 401

Chaidh am bata mach le guallainn,
'Nuair bu chruaidh a chaonnag oirnn,
Cheart cho luath 's a chaidh e suas
Gun d' leag e nuas an t-aodach ud.

Cuimhnichibh a nis am bàs,

'S gach càs san robh sibh eucorach ;

Thoiribh maitheanas d' 'ur naimhdean,

Na biodh f eall no f oill annaibh ;

Ma gheibh còrr is sinne dàil,

'S e 'n t-Ard Righ a bhios oircheasach,

O'n se smachdaicheas an stoirm,

'S an colg tha orra, 's oillteil e."

Dh' òrduich am Breabadair Bàn

An t-each a thairneadh mòine dha,

Sud a thoirt do na bochdan,

Bhiodh ri osnaich thròcaireach ;

Ged a bha e 'n tinneas clèibh

Bu mhaith gu feum air clòintean e ;

Dh' fhighinn sin is anart caol

A dh' fhaoidte dhol an còmhdach leis."

Dh' òrduich Domhnull Ard tri bolla
A thoirt dha na feumaichibh,
Le deagh thomhas agus anulan ;
'S maith an ceann diol-dèirce sud :
Leth-bholla 'Nighean Challuim Bhàin,
Nan tigeadh càs no eigin orr' ;
Urrad eile do Nic Leoid,
Gun sòradh air na dh' fheumas rud.

Alastair Moireastan, dh' eirich e,
Is e gu gleusda, luath-lamhach ;
Thug e tarruing air an taoman,
Anns a chaonaig chruadalaich ;
Fhad 's a dh' fhanas i o'n ghrunnd,
An iubhrach nuair ghluaiseas i,
Cumar tioram i gun taing,
Gach ranc dhith gus am buanaich i.

26

402 THB MACDONALD COLLBCTION OF GAKUC POBTBT.

Nach b' e 'm bàta tapaidh i,

Thug dhachaidh sinn gu sàbhailte ;

Ghleidh sinn Caolas-rotha-sgeir,

Bu choraisge 'n t-aite leinn ;

'Nuair thugadh ann an ceann i,

'S a chaisgeadh sgraing na bàirlinn dhith,

Thàirneadh san Lag Nogh i :

Fhuair sinn sgoil a shàruich sinn.

ORIN CLACHAN LIONACLEIT. 403

ORAN CLACHAN LIONACLEIT.
Leis an ughdar Cheudna.

Fàill ill o, 's na hòro hùo,

Hiirabh o, 's na hòro hiìo,

Fàill ill o, 's na hòro hiio,

Dh' eireadh fonn neo-throm le sunnd oirnn.

Clachan Lionacleit na shìneadh,
Fhuair e thogail suas o 'n dìlionn;
Leag Mac Mhàruis steighe dhìleas,
Ged bhiodh bàirlinn àrd ga dhìreadh.

Thagh thu fein na gillean dileas,
Bheireadh clachan as an dìlionn ;
Fuaim le fùdar, smuid gu h-iosal,
Dha na speuran leum na piosan.

Cha bu sgailm dhomh fhin a ràdha,
'S obair bhuan i 'n deigh do laimhe ;
Leag Mac Mhàruis steidhe làidir,
Gach clach-shniomha 's cinnteach sàs orr'.

Rinneadh o 'n t-Sròm rathad dìreach,

Gheibh a Bhanrigh sràid da rìreadh ;

Thig i comhlath ris an Righ ann ;

'S gheibh thu duais bhios buan do d' shinnsread'

'Nuair thig Raonull Og nam bratach,
Marcaich nan each cruidheach, seanga;
Gheibh e rathad righ fo chasan
Troimh 'n dubh-mhòintich stròm cha 'n fhaic e.

Dannsair grinn air urlar farsuing,
'Dol san ruidhle 's spring na chasan,
'Nam biodh beus is teudan ceart ann,
Bàrr do bhròig cha leòn an dealta-

404 THB HACDONALD OOLLBCTION OP OABUO POVTBT

Urram spionnaidh dha 'n fhear ghasda
Is deis' air sràid, air blàr, 's air faiche,
Ruairidh donn b'e com na maise,
Smiorail, foirmeil, calma, sgairteil.

Pòitear fiona 's an tigh-òsd' thu,
'Nam na bòileich stòp cha 'n fhaighnich :
Copan làn, cha smàlar coinnlean,
Thuiteadh càch 's tu slàn o'n oidhche.

B' fhearr leam fhin gu'm faicinn pòsd' thu,
Ri te ghrinn nach mìl do stòras,
Ceile leapa chleachd bhi fòghlum,
Modhail, siobhalt', rìbhinn bhòidheach.

DUAN CALLUIG. 405

DUAN CALLUIG.

Le Eachunn Macleoid, a' Bard Uidhisteach.

Ged 's tric fliuair mi fialachd 'n 'ur talla

Cha d' thainig mi gus am bliadhn'

Ann riamh air challaig.

Tha mi 'n duil gu faigh mi 'm bliadhna

Riarachadh mar is maith leam,

O'n tha mo ghillean fo fhiasaig

Gu f aigh iad fiach airson an caithris ;

Cha sàruich sin boirionuach fialaidh,

Air son spiocaire de bhannaig.

Gabhaidh sinn buaidh stuth na Tòiseachd,

O se 's dòcha thogail gean oirnn ;

O se 's tlachdmhoire ri riaghladh,

'S e 's lionmhoire ri cheannach;

'S bho na dh' fhiaghaich sibh mo nàbuidh

Cha leig sibh a làmh leis f alamh ;

Dh' fhag e bhean 's a choignear phàistean,

A rànaich a steach mu 'n teallach,

An dùil gu robh buinig 'sa cheairdsa

Gu sàbhaladh dhuinn an arain ;

'S thogair mise falbh na phàirt

O'n bha e fein gun dàn, gun ealdhain,

Thagh sinn an tigh-sa mar àraidh

O'n shàbhail sibh 'ur cuid barra,

'S gu 'n robh a bhean a th' ann cho bàigheil,

'S gu'n tuigeadh i càs na gainne ;

Ma shìneas i idir a làmh dha,

Gheibh e chuid is f earr dheth eallach ;

'S ge b'e air bith na bheir sibh dhàsan,

Thugaibh dha 'n aosdàna drama.

406 THE MACDONALD OOLLBCTION OP GAELIO POBTRY.

DUAN CALLUIG.

Dh' eirich mise mocli 's a' mhaduinu,
Ràinig mi starsach a bhrochain,
Ràinig mi lain is Fionnladh,
Bha mi 'n diiil gu f aighinn fosgladh ;
Labhair am bodach gu fiadhaich
' ' Mo riaghair, cha mhi do dhorsair,
Ach ma bhristeas tusa chòmhla,
Dioghlaidh Maighstir Domhnull orts' e."

DUAN CALLUIG.

MiSE nochd a' dol air challuig,
'G inns' a mhnathan a bhaile
Gur e màireach Latha Nolluig ;
Gillean bochda 'dol a dholaidh
Gun ìm, gun chàise, gun aran,
Freasdal cnapan de 'n buntàta,
'S droch càl an deigh a phrannadh ;
'S còir a' miosgan a ghearradh,
'S còir a' miosgan a ghearradh,
'S mar a gearrar air chòir e,
Theid òrdag air sgòrnan na caillich.

DUAN CALLUIG.

MiSE nochd a' dol air challuig,
GiUe beag nan casan rùisgte,
Ma bhios mi beo ni mi diulnach,
Coisnidh mi biadh agus aodach,
Ma gheibh mi saoghal agus ùine ;
Ach ge b' e bheir dhomhsa challuig
Gu ma maith theid a bhliadhn' ùr leis.

AOIR NA LUOHANN. 407

AOIR NA LUCHANN.

Cha 'n 'eil luch a tha 'sa ghleann,

Eadar an taobh thall 's a bhos,

Nach d' chuir an clachair fios gan iarraidh,

Bha e dioghailt air a son.

Deanaibh 'ur nid na chuid eorna,

'S bithibh an còmhnuidh anns an fhiar;

'S ged a dh' fhàgadh sibh am fodar,

Deanaibh cogarlach de 'n t-siol."

Chiad te fhuair an clachair na ìnnean

Bha i cìnnteach anns an riasladh ;

Chuir e chomhairle ri Seònaid,

Gu de 'n aon ni 's còir a dheanamh,

Thuirt a bhean bhochd, is i freagairt :

Nach spàrr thu chorc bheag na cliathaich."

Chaidh a chorc bheag sin air chall,

Thig a nall 's gu faigh thu fein i."

'Nuair a chual' a bhean an iorram,

Bu sgiobalt' a bha i 'g eiridh ;

Thug i leatha minidh teine,

Bha 'ga dhinneadh anns na h-eibhlean,

'S an àite chur anns an luchainn,

'S ann a chuir i ann fhein i.

Thuirt an clachair, " Gu de 'n Riabhach !

Chuir an t-iarrunn 'n cùl mo laimhe.

Tha mi 'n diiil gur bean gun chiall thu,

O'n a riab thu leis gu cnaimh mi.

Dhioghail an tigh air a bhruideadh,

O'n rinn an luch orm tàrtail

'S nach foir dhi an toll no 'n taobhaidh

Gus an ith a bhaobh na dh' fhàg i."

408 THB MACDONALD COLLBOTION OF GASUC POBTRT.

EOLAS A BHEUM-SHULA.

Oba rinn Muire gheal,

Chuir gu Brid' e null air muir,

Air fiacail oodn ghearr,

Air lion leathar làir'.

Ge b'e rinn an t-sviil,

Gun tuit i air fein,,

Air a chuid, no air a cbloinn.

Clobha mi 'n t-sùil,

Sogha mi 'n t-sùil,

largag mi 'n t-siìil ;

Tri peagb an adha

A theang' an domblais,

Tri maighdionan beaga

Rugadh anns an aon oidhche ri Criosd' ;

Mu 's a slàn iad sin,

Gu ma slàn a bhios tusa.

RANN MAISTEIDH.

Maistreadh a rinn Muire,
Air iirlar a ghlinne,
Mheudachadh an ime,
Riarachadh a bhaine,
Roinn na muinntir uile.
Thig a chuinneag, thig,
Thig a chuinneag, thig,
Thig a stòrach, thig a stòrach,
Blàthach gu 'm' dhorn,
'S ìm gu 'm uilinn.

THK NOBTmniN COUNTIKi NBWSPAFKR ANB PRINTINO AND PtrBUSBIItO OOMPANT
LIMITED, INVKRNKas.

n

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